§ 88. Miss Herbisonasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the impending retirement of the Chief Inspector of Factories, Sir George Barnett, on 31st December this year, he will appoint a woman as Deputy Chief Inspector.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI take the view that promotion in the Factory Inspectorate should be based on merit alone, as it is in other grades in my Ministry. On this occasion I have decided, after careful consideration, to appoint a male officer who is considered to be the most suitable of the possible candidates for the post.