§ Mr. E. ALEXANDERasked the Home Secretary whether women inspectors now visit and inspect all classes of factories whether women are employed therein or not; and, seeing that the inspection of machinery and men's lavatories is not proper work for women inspectors, and in view of the aversion of male employers to have the law laid down to them by women, he will revert to the accepted principle that women factory inspectors were instituted for the protection of the interests of women workers?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANYes, Sir. Under the scheme of reorganisation which was adopted in 1920, on the recommendation of a Departmental Committee, the men and women inspectors have been placed on the same footing, and it is the duty of women inspectors to inspect both men's and women's work. The Committee were strongly of opinion that the main work of factory inspection can (given the necessary training in the Department) be carried out as well by women as by men. Where any special reasons exist for inspection by a man rather than by a woman, arrangements are made accordingly. The scheme has now been in force for a considerable time, has in general38W been very favourably received, and is working well; and I should not be prepared to go back to the old system.