asked the Home Secretary whether, in connection with page 17 of the 1937 annual report of the Chief Inspector of Factories, he can state the proposed increase in the number of inspectors for the North Staffordshire area?

The staff of the Stoke-on-Trent district was raised in the spring of last year from three to four full-time inspectors, and I am advised that this compares favourably with the staffing of other districts. No further addition to the Stoke-on-Trent staff is at present contemplated.

Can we have an assurance that the Home Office is giving facilities to children of working-class people to graduate through secondary schools and become inspectors?

Yes, Sir.