§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many factory inspectors there were, according to the latest available figures, three years ago, 10 years ago, and 20 years ago.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the number of factory inspectors in post at the relevant dates was as follows:
Date No. of Inspectors 1st January 1976 807 1st January 1973 682 1st January 1966 496 1st January 1956 361
§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the current size of the Factory Inspectorate; and whether it is being expanded.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety176W Commission that he is not satisfied with the current size of Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate. A recruitment programme is in progress which should result in a considerable expansion of the Inspectorate over the next few years.