HC Deb 14 December 1964 vol 704 cc15-6W
80. Mr. A. J. Irvine

asked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to encourage the training and recruitment of the additional inspectors needed to enable local authorities to carry out the adequate enforcement of the provisions of the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963.

Mr. Thornton

A letter was sent to all local authorities in June, 1964, expressing the Ministry's concern that there should be effective enforcement of the Act and giving general guidance on staffing and other matters. Our officers, who have been appointed under Section 57 to secure uniformity of administration, are giving authorities advice where necessary, including talks to local authority inspectors on technical aspects of the Act. Authorities are required to include in their annual reports information about the numbers of inspectors appointed and the numbers of premises inspected. My information is that authorities generally are fully aware of their new responsibilities and concerned to see that they are effectively carried out.