§ Mr. MORRELLasked whether the number of women and girls employed in factories and workshops in the year 190", which is the last year for which such figures are available, was more than 1,850,000, or, approximately, 37 per cent. of the total number of persons so employed; whether this percentage has since been maintained; and whether, in view of the fact that there are at present only twenty women inspectors out of a total of 217, he will consider the desirability of making further additions to the staff of women inspectors?
1137W
§ Mr. McKENNAThe figures given by my hon. Friend are correct, except that the present number of lady inspectors is twenty-one, out of a total of all grades of 222; but he must not suppose that the inspection of factories where women are employed is confined to the women inspectors. On the contrary, it is shared by all members of the staff, from the chief inspector downwards. The Home Office has, however, been steadily increasing the number of the lady inspectors—three have been added in the last eighteen months—and that policy will be continued.