HC Deb 04 August 1885 vol 300 c1046
MR. SAMUEL SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If the attention of the Government has been called to the condition of labour imposed on the London tram men; if he is aware that they are compelled to work sixteen hours a-day, including Sundays; and, whether he will grant an inquiry into the subject?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir R. ASSHETON CROSS)

Yes, Sir; I have made inquiries, and I believe these men very often have to work 16 hours a-day. It seems to me enormous labour, as the House can understand, for we are ourselves working 16 hours a-day. We were so yesterday.