§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many male factory inspectors have been released during the last year for service elsewhere, and how far has the staff of women inspectors been increased and employed to carry on the work; and what is the comparison in the strength of the inspectorate to-day compared with a year ago?
§ Sir J. SIMONTwenty-four inspectors and six assistants in all have been called up or have joined His Majesty's Forces; twenty-two inspectors and eleven assistants have been lent for war service in other Departments; sixteen of whom are engaged in special work requiring technical qualifications under the Admiralty and Ministry of Munitions. The present strength is 157, as compared with 219 a year ago. I am considering the question of appointing temporary women inspectors for the period of the War; and one such has already been appointed—but temporary assistance can only be utilised to a limited extent, as a careful training is required before an inspector is able to undertake the full duties of the post, and the work of training and supervising of any considerable number would throw a heavy additional burden on the experienced inspectors and seriously interfere with their own work. I should wish to add that the staff who remain have worked with great energy and zeal to cope with the heavy duties which have fallen on the Department in connection with the War, and have rendered most valuable service.