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.

    138/260 (page 118)
    larged. By 1867, their numbers were increased to 43, including sub-inspectors. Successful as the inspectors’ work on the whole was, it had one defect, a lack of uniformity of policy. The inspectors enjoying equal powers, if they differed among themselves, the law would be unequally administered in different circuits. The remedy devised by the Government was, not to fill up the places vacated by inspectors who died or resigned. In 1862 Mr Redgrave and Mr Baker divided the United Kingdom between them. The differences of opinion between the two were highly embarrassing to the Government, which was already inclined towards centralisation. The Commission of 1875 reported strongly in the same sense ; Mr Baker, after his many years valu- able service, retired, and in 1878 Mr Redgrave was made Chief Inspector. The Home Secretary is now the virtual head of the Department and is responsible for the extension or restriction of con- ditions as to exemptions, special rules, etc. Appeal can be made to him against the decision of any officer of the Factory Department. The Chief Inspector prepares all business, but the Home Secretary has the final decision. The Home Secretary appoints the Chief Inspector, as well as the inspectors and junior inspectors. An important addition was made to the Department