§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give the projected figures for the number of factory inspectorate for 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, and 1980.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerBy 1st April 1976, the number of factory inspectors ought to be about 900. The Health and Safety Commission hopes to be able to continue with its plans for expansion of resources over the ensuing four years to a level in excess of 1,050 inspectors. The rate of growth within the period will have to depend upon the availability of suitable candidates and the present economic situation.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give the numbers of the factory inspectorate for January 1973, 1974, 1975 and to the most recent practicable date in 1975.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe total numbers of factory inspectors in post were as follows:
1st January 1973 682 1st January 1974 681 1st January 1975 737 1st July 1975 761
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether recruitment for the factory inspectorate is being maintained.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerYes. In January 1975, there were 692 inspectors and 45 assistant inspectors. On 1st July 1975, there were 710 inspectors and 51 assistant inspectors. Recruitment panels are held in the spring and autumn of each year. At the last spring panel, 49 candidates were offered posts as Her Majesty's inspectors of factories, and 35 of these offers were accepted. Eight of the persons who accepted have already taken up their134W posts, and the remainder will join the inspectorate within the next two months.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has any plans for reducing the intake into the factory inspectorate.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerNo. Current recruitment plans are that about 800 inspectors should be in post by March 1976, and about 900 by April 1977. It is hoped that there will be approximately 1,000 inspectors before 1980. If this figure is achieved, there will have been a tripling of the inspectorate since 1960.