§ Mr. Dixonasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many factories in the west midlands, east midlands, northern and Yorkshire regions were visited by factory inspectors for each of the last five years for which figures are available; what percentage this figure represents of the total number of factories in each of the areas; how many factory inspectors are in post in each of the areas; and if he has any plans to increase the present number of factory inspectors in the areas mentioned.
§ Mr. NichollsThe information is not available in the form requested as the Health and Safety Executive area boundaries do not coincide with those of the Department of Employment regions. It is not possible, without 837W disproportionate cost to separate the number of visits made to factories from those made to other premises where the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 is enforced by the factory inspectorate. The information available is as follows:
(a) The number of visits made by factor inspector to premises subject to HSWA: HSE Area 1985–86 1986–87 East Midlands 10,374 10,421 West Midlands 9,963 10,466 Marches 8,041 9,768 North Midlands 7,779 6,803 South Yorkshire and Humberside 9,043 7,893 West and North Yorkshire 11,445 13,261 North West 10,118 8,358 North East 10,465 10,639 (b) Not all premises subject to the HSWA are required to send notification to the Health and Safety Executive. The percentage figures are therefore not available.
(c) On 1 October 1987, the number of factory inspectors in post in each of these areas was a follows: HSE Area Number of inspectors East Midlands 24.5 West Midlands 33 Marches 23.5 North Midlands 21 South Yorkshire and Humberside 24 West and North Yorkshire 31.5 North West 23 North East 28 It is hoped to increase the number of factory inspectors in the field during 1988–89, but their location remains to be decided.