HC Deb 15 August 1871 vol 208 cc1734-5

Bill considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Clauses 1 and 2 agreed to.

Clause 3 (Duties of inspectors of factories to enforce 30 & 31 Vict. c. 146.)

MR. CHARLEY (for Mr. CAWLEY)

proposed to add at the end— Provided, That in the case of any borough in which the local authority has enforced or shall, within six months after the passing of this Act, resolve to enforce the provisions of the said Acts, this section shall not apply, but in any such case the said Acts shall be enforced by the local authority, and any officer appointed by any such local authority shall have the like powers as are possessed for the time being by the inspectors or sub-inspectors of Factories with respect to Workshops and persons employed therein.

MR. MUNDELLA

said, he hoped that the House would not assent to this Amendment, which, if adopted, would completely ruin and spoil one of the best Bills that had been introduced during the present Session.

MR. BRUCE

said, he regretted that he could not accept the Amendment. The local authorities had so administered the Factory Act as to create a very general wish that the work of inspection should be transferred to the factory inspectors.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Clause agreed to.

Remaining clauses agreed to.

Bill reported, with Amendments; as amended, to be considered To-morrow.