ADDRESS FOR A RETURN. (Hansard, 25 July 1872)

§ THE EARL OF SHAFTESBURY
, in moving an Address for a Return relating to Brickfields, said, that in his Notice he had mentioned only three counties; but he wished the Return to extend to all the counties in which there were brickfields. He had received many letters from various parts of the country, which stated that, notwithstanding the Act passed last year, the evils to which he had called the attention of their Lordships on former occasions still went on in brickfields.

THE EARL OF LONGFORD
rose to Order. There was a debate going on at the Bar which prevented the House from hearing what the noble Earl (the Earl of Shaftesbury) was saying. [Cries of "Bar!"]

§ THE EARL OF SHAFTESBURY
said, he was informed by his correspondents that, owing to the number of Inspectors being too small, in some places there was scarcely any inspection of brickfields, and that the people working at brick-making in some districts had not even been informed of the provisions of the Act of last year. In Kent and other counties where there was an efficient inspection there was no complaint. He was led to believe that in some instances the Inspectors appointed were persons who had not had such experience as would qualify them for the post, and he thought also that the number of Inspectors might be enlarged. He begged to move for the Return in the enlarged form.

THE EARL OF MORLEY
ventured to thank the noble Earl for having called attention to this subject. As to the inspection, he had to state that, though the Act putting brickfields under inspection passed last year, it was not until the dry weather set in that the brick-making began and the inspection could be carried out. The Act had been only three months in operation as regarded the brickfields, and this might account for the apparent laxity to which the noble Earl had called attention; but he 1746 believed that in the Eastern and Southern districts of England the inspection had been carried out in a satisfactory manner. The noble Earl complained that the number of Inspectors was not sufficient. Their Lordships would remember that the business of the Inspectors was increased last year by workshops having been placed under the Factory Acts, and by inspection having been extended to brickfields. When these changes came into full operation, if it was found that an increase in the number was necessary, no doubt it would be made; but he believed that at present it was not felt necessary that there should be any increase. There was no objection to the production of the Return moved for by the noble Earl.