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The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, and in particular the replies to the observations of the Austrian Chamber of Workers (OA) referred to in the last direct request.

Article 10 of the Convention. The Government indicates that staffing of the labour inspectorate has increased by 12 per cent since 1988, and visits are regularly made outside normal hours of work. The Committee hopes data on the strength of the inspectorate will be included in future reports.

Article 11. The Government indicates that kilometrage quotas for inspectors making visits outside their offices have been increased and have proved sufficient.

Articles 17 and 18. The Government describes the administrative penal proceedings system and the measures taken and proposed to deal with the problem of excessive delays. The Committee hopes the next report will show the effect of these measures, having regard to the requirements of the Convention.

Article 20. The Government indicates that observance of time-limits for preparation and publication of annual inspection reports has been affected by the change to automated data processing. The Committee notes that the 1988 report has now been supplied, while the 1989 one has been completed, the 1990 one is in preparation, and the 1991 one will be ready on time. It hopes that these reports will include details in particular of the implementation of the Articles, comments on which were made by the OA.