§ Dr. CHAPPLEasked what were the exceptional circumstances under which Miss Constance Smith has been appointed to the post of His Majesty's senior lady inspector of factories; whether the appointment is permanent or on probation; whether made on the result of examination, competitive or qualifying; what is the scale of salary and emolument attached to the appointment; whether it carries with it a pension; and what were the special qualifications, academic or other, possessed by Miss Constance Smith as distinct from, or superior to, those possessed by inspectors already on the staff of the Department?
§ Mr. McKENNAI considered it desirable on this occasion to make a special appointment because the lady inspectors has been weakened last year by the loss of one of the most experienced senior lady inspectors who was appointed a National Insurance Commissioner for Scotland and because the inspectors in the junior grade were all of comparatively short service. The appointment of Miss Constance Smith is a permanent appointment and was made without examination under Clause 7 of the Order in Council. The scale of salary is the same as in the case of the other senior lady inspectors: £300, rising by £15 to £400; but in Miss Smith's case, it will not carry a right to pension. I appointed Miss Smith, who has taken an active part for many years in work amongst women and girls employed in factories and workshops, on the ground of her special experience and special knowledge of industrial conditions. The appointment was not made to fill a vacancy, but is a permanent addition to the previous strength of the branch.