§ Sir G. Clerk, in moving; the Order of the Day for resuming the Adjourned Debate on the Third Reading of the Silk Weavers Bill, observed, that the debate on this question had been adjourned, as it seemed to be doubted whether silk weavers came properly under the Arbitration Act. There could be no doubt that they did, as the object of the Arbitration Act was to extend to the silk trade, the provisions of that Act. The object of this Bill, therefore, was to introduce some few amendments into the silk trade, which had been introduced into the hosiery trade. That a bargain and contract between master and workmen should be reduced to writing, and a copy kept by each. The Bill met with the approbation of all the workmen, and many of the principal masters. It would prevent the litigation formerly so prevalent between those parties. 1518 He hoped, under these circumstances, the House would pass the Bill.
§ Bill read a third time and passed.