§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many factory inspectors there are at present; and what specific plans there are for expansion of these numbers.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that on 2nd June, 1975 there were 762 factory inspectors in post. This total comprised 543 general inspectors, 169 specialist inspectors and 50 assistant inspectors.
By 31st March 1976 it is proposed to increase the cadre of general inspectors by 80 and specialist inspectors by 60. Competitions are being held by the Civil Service Commission to fill these posts.
§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many supporting 162W staff are employed in the Factory Inspectorate, apart from qualified factory inspectors; and whether any changes are contemplated, including increase or decrease in such staff or change in the balance of numbers as between inspectors and supporting staff.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the number of supporting staff employed in the Factory Inspectorate, apart from qualified factory inspectors, was 676 on 2nd June 1975. It is proposed to increase the number of supporting staff to maintain a proper balance as the number of factory inspectors is increased.