§ Mr. MARCUSasked the Home Secretary if he will explain the arrangements which are made by periodic inspection of factories and the standard of inspection now aimed at by his Department?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe standard of inspection now aimed at is that recommended by the recent Departmental Committee on the Factory Inspectorate, who go very fully into the question in paragraphs 26 to 44 of their report. They considered that the more important works should be visited at least once a year, but that a standard of at least one visit every two years would be sufficient in the case of works in which only a small number of persons are employed, no dangerous or injurious process is carried on, and the conditions generally can be regarded as satisfactory. They recommended further that works coming under certain codes of Regulations should be visited every quarter. In accordance with the views of the committee, the inspector in charge of the district is left responsible, subject to the general standard laid down, for making such arrangements for the inspection of works in his district as, having regard to the particular circumstances, he may think best.