MR. PRICEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether it is true that the Royal Commissioners on the Factory and Workshop Acts have been inquiring into and taking evidence upon the condition of the Canal population in certain places; and, whether the general condition of this branch of the population has been referred to the Royal Commission as a special object of inquiry, or whether the inquiry has been merely a local one?
MR. ASSHETON CROSSSir, the general condition of this branch of the population was not referred to the Royal Commissioners on the Factory and Workshop Acts as a special subject of inquiry; but the Commissioners were directed to consider whether any provisions of the 1474 Factory and Workshop Acts might properly be extended to other trades, industries, and occupations not included therein. The Commissioners having been informed that many women and children are employed in the management of canal boats, and that the children are receiving no education whatever, are endeavouring, in the course of their general inquiry, to obtain accurate information respecting the employment and position of these women and children.