asked 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.
I 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 |
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the current size of the Factory Inspectorate; and whether it is being expanded.
I am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety 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.