§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Employment what consideration he has given to the report on proposals for the reorganisation of Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate—June 1974—prepared by the Health and Safety Commission Planning Unit; if he has any plans to implement the proposals; and what consultations he has had with local interests in Wales on this matter.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerMy hon. Friend has no doubt studied the report on proposals for the reorganisation of Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate prepared by the planning unit to which he refers. The two trial schemes which have been set up to test the proposals are still in
78Wdate; and how those figures compare with the equivalent month of 1973.
§ Mr. John FraserThe following table shows the available information. The vacancy statistics relate only to vacancies notified to employment offices and do not measure the total unsatisfied demand for labour.
operation. Certain modifications have already been made to the original proposals including the setting up of two local or satellite offices in the Southern Area. We are very much aware of the need to improve means of communication and are looking at ways in which this can be done. Special consideration is being given to the efficiency of communications between inspectors, employees, and trade unions, employers and members of the public.
The implementation of the planning unit proposals in their original or modified form will depend on the final assessment of the schemes at the end of February 1975.
The question of consultation in Wales or elsewhere will be considered when the time comes.