HC Deb 17 June 1985 vol 81 c15W
Mr. Litherland

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the numbers employed by Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate and the efficiency of their operations.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Her Majesty's factory Inspectorate has sufficient staff to perform its essential functions. Efforts have been and are continuing to be made further to improve the efficiency of the inspectorate's operations.

Mr. Litherland

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the number of prosecutions made by Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate between 1979 and 1985 and the average cost or penalty imposed.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The numbers of prosecutions made by Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate between 1979 and 1985 and the average penalties imposed are as follows:

Year Prosecutions Average penalty £
1979 1,227 181
1980 1,297 179
1981 1,142 206
1982 1,350 344
1983 1,470 265
1984 1,300 332

1985 figures are not yet available.