§ Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to give the House any information as to the results of his promised review of the strength of the factory inspectorate?
§ Mr. LloydYes, Sir. In view of the passing of the Factories Act of last Session and of other developments, a scheme has been sanctioned which will have the effect of increasing the strength of the inspectorate by 62 or about 23 per cent. over a period of three years. The scheme includes the appointment of an additional Deputy-Chief Inspector, and, an additional superintending inspector to take charge of a new division which is being created in the Midlands, and the addition of three medical, one electrical, and seven engineering, inspectors. Some of the additional staff have already been recruited and further competitions are now being announced. It is difficult to forecast the effects of the new Act on the work of the Department, and the scheme is subject to review in the light of experience.