The case for the factory acts / edited by Mrs. Sidney Webb ; with a preface by Mrs. Humphrey Ward.

Date:
1902
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The case for the factory acts / edited by Mrs. Sidney Webb ; with a preface by Mrs. Humphrey Ward. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    inspectors came to be recognised as friends by both parties, and sometimes succeeded in making peace in case of labour disputes, in which they care- fully avoided taking sides. At the same time being constantly in touch with the operatives, and in communication with the Government, they had ample opportunity to explain the real grievances of the people and suggest improvements in legis- lation. In 1844 they were deprived of the judicial powers they had previously exercised, and the power to make rules and regulations on their own responsibility was carried over to the Secretary of State. Their authority, however, was enlarged in other ways by the Act which tended to specialise rather than restrict their functions and gave them increased dignity by the establishment of a central office in London. An important requirement was that of Sec. VII., according to which all persons on beginning to occupy a factory were to give notice to the inspectors within one month of the name of the factory, postal address, nature of the work done, nature and amount of moving power, etc. In 1891 occupiers of workshops also were required to give notice of occupation. Concurrently with the progressive inclusion of industries sketched above, it is evident that the field of the inspectors activity was greatly en-