HC Deb 23 June 1836 vol 34 cc837-40
Mr. Hindley

moved for leave to bring in a Bill to amend the present Factory Act.

Mr. Labouchere observed, that the feeling of the House had on many occasions been expressed in a manner unfavourable to any further experiment with regard to the existing law upon the subject. It appeared to be the general sentiment of hon. Members, that the present Act had not yet had a fair trial, and he thought, under existing circumstances, if any new measure were introduced, it would be productive of great excitement in the manufacturing districts, and very serious inconvenience.

Lord Ashley

should be always ready to support any general measure of the kind which the hon. Mover was known to advocate, though he thought the present a most unfavourable time for bringing forward a proposition of the sort, and had done all in his power to dissuade the hon. Gentleman opposite from making such a motion. Still, if the House gave leave to bring in a Bill, the measure proposed should have his most cordial support.

Mr. Wason

was understood to say, it had been agreed on all sides, that the present state of the law required alteration.

Mr. Young

hoped the hon. Gentleman would not injure the cause he advocated by pressing the present motion.

Sir John Hobhouse

recommended postponement till next Session.

Mr. Hindley

contended, that the motion he had just made for leave to bring in a Bill, was perfectly consistent with what he had previously done upon this subject. He complained, that the friends of the factory children had been on several occasions charged with all the ill consequences arising from the Act; and even His Majesty's Government had not scrupled to lend themselves to the accusation, but as it was most unfounded, he hoped it would be withdrawn. If it were given up, he should have no objection to withdraw his motion. Government ought to take the responsibility of the measure upon themselves.

Mr. Goulburn

requested the hon. Mover not to press the present proposition, for it could be brought to no successful issue in the present Session.

Lord Francis Egerton

concurred with the last speaker, and joined with him in requesting a postponement of the motion.

Lord John Russell

said, that His Majesty's Government were not responsible for the enactments of the Bill: it was an act of the Parliament, and Ministers were now only responsible for the manner in. which it might be carried into effect. He certainly had taken steps towards its enforcement, but he submitted, that what had occurred did by no means impose upon the Government the least obligation now to bring forward any proposition on the subject.

Mr. Hindley

would withdraw his motion, but he should be at all times the supporter of a ten hours' Bill.