§ 57. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that many accidents take place in factories because of infrequent inspection; how many factory workers there are to each inspector; if he is satisfied that the number of inspectors is sufficient to meet the rapid developments in industry; and what steps are being taken to increase the inspectorate.
§ Mr. WhitelawWhile inspection of factories has an important part to play in accident prevention, the primary responsibility for reducing accidents clearly rests with management. A review of accident prevention organisation is in progress in many industries in consultation with my Department. For every inspector in post there are about 19,000 factory workers subject to the Factories Act. My right hon. Friend keeps the strength of the inspectorate under review and as he told the House last December, the establishment was then increased by 34. The establishment has been increased by one-quarter since 1956.