HC Deb 26 July 1955 vol 544 cc102-3W
59. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Labour whether the pay claim made to his Department on 6th July, 1954, by the Institution of Professional Civil Servants, on behalf of the entry grade of the Factory Inspectorate has now been met; and the reasons for so long a delay in the process of negotiation.

Mr. Watkinson

The basis of this claim was unacceptable to the Department and at a meeting on 8th November, 1954, the Institution agreed not to press it. My Department has since been examining the position, which is a complicated one, with a view to considering whether it would be justified in making alternative proposals on a different basis.

60. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied that the number of factory inspectors with professional qualifications in building construction and civil engineering is sufficient to safeguard the safety, health and welfare of workers engaged in building operations; and what steps he is taking to reduce the number of fatal and nonfatal accidents.

Mr. Watkinson

It is not necessary that factory inspectors, who inspect building operations together with all other classes of premises subject to the Factories Acts which are in their districts, should have professional qualifications in building construction and civil engineering. Though I should welcome an increase in the numbers who have such qualifications I am satisfied that the General Inspectorate is fully competent to carry out this

NUMBERS OF OPERATIVES ON SHORT-TIME IN THE FURNITURE AND UPHOLSTERY INDUSTRY DURING THE UNDERMENTIONED WEEKS*
Region Number of operatives on short-time Aggregate number of hours lost owing to short-time
Week ended 23.5.53 Week ended 29.5.54 Week ended 28.5.55 Week ended 23.5.53 Week ended 29.5.54 Week ended 28.5.55
London and South Eastern … 591 709 3,174 6,840 7,093 39,388
Eastern … — 53 64 — 454 855
Southern … 488 308 712 5,120 2,520 6,263
South-Western … 161 138 154 2,711 2,073 1,636
Midland … 222 63 134 2,211 411 1,028
North-Midland … 56 2 89 568 12 830
East and West Ridings … 155 264 526 1,571 2,517 5,992
North-Western … 294 326 809 3,535 3,288 8,905
Northern … 180 209 1,060 1,574 1,350 16,694
Scotland … 183 43 393 2,090 1,334 7,138
Wales … 39 13 123 471 445 1,604
Great Britain … 2,369 2,128 7,238 26,691 21,497 90,333
* The figures relate to establishments with more than 10 employees from which returns were received.