§ Mr. KELLYasked the Home Secretary whether there has been any increase in the number of factory inspectors during the last year; and whether any further increase is proposed?
§ Mr. CLYNESNo addition was made last year to the total strength of the inspecting staff. As regards the future, my hon. Friend will no doubt have seen the announcement in yesterday's Press of938W the important changes which the Government have decided to make in the strength and organisation of the factory inspectorate. These include increases (to be spread over a period of five years) both in the general inspection staff and in the technical branches (medical, engineering and electrical). The general inspection staff attached to the inspection divisions and districts will be raised in number from 180 to 243. The technical branches will also be substantially increased, the medical staff from five to eight, the electrical staff from five to 12; and the engineering staff from six to 10. During the year 1930–31 it is proposed to appoint 15 additional inspectors to the divisional and district staff, making, with seven vacancies in the existing inspectorate, a total of 22 new inspectors to be appointed this year. In the technical branches two medical, two engineering and four electrical inspectors will be added.