asked the Home Secretary whether the existing staff of His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Factories has been increased in order to cope with the increased work arising from the complicated regulations dealing with hours of work for women and young persons which have been brought into force since the outbreak of war?

Since the outbreak of war the authorised strength of the factory inspectorate has been increased, and new appointments have been and are about to be made. In considering further appointments, account must be taken of the rate at which new recruits can be absorbed without detriment to efficiency.

Do factory inspectors pay the same attention to Government factories as they do to privately-owned factories?

Yes, Sir, I think so.