HL Deb 15 May 1896 vol 40 cc1419-20
LORD TEYNHAM,

in moving the Second Reading of this Bill, said that its purpose was to prohibit chimney sweepers from shouting or crying in the streets in the pursuit of their employment. A Bill was passed in 1894 to prevent them from ringing a bell; and as the Bill came from the Commons it contained a provision similar to that in the present Bill, but that provision was struck out in Committee. The absence of it had proved a hardship, for chimney sweepers who, through age or infirmity, could not cry in the streets were seriously handicapped in their business. The Bill was promoted by the London Chimney Sweepers' Association, who estimated that 75 per cent. of the class died in the workhouse; and they attributed this fact largely to the custom of "crying" in the streets, which made it impossible for those sweepers who could not "cry" to make a living.

VISCOUNT CROSS

I do not see any noble Lord here who represents the Home Office, and I should like to hear the views of the Home Office, on the subject of this Bill. It seems to me to be carrying legislation too far. [Laughter.] It is rather grandmotherly legislation, which in my opinion had better be left alone. [Laughter.]

LORD TEYNHAM

The first Bill which left the House of Commons in the last Parliament and contained this provision received the approval of the Home Office of that day.

THE EARL OF KIMBERLEY

I wish to ask why these people are to be allowed to shout in Scotland? [Laughter.] In England or Ireland they may not be allowed to shout, but Scotland is excluded from the Bill. [Laughter.]

LORD TEYNHAM

Neither the Act of 1875 nor the Act of 1894 applies to Scotland, and this Bill is to be read with those two Acts.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (Lord HALSBURY)

I should like to know why chimney-sweepers alone should be selected for this treatment. [Laughter.] I do not see why they should be made the only pariahs of our civilisation. [Laughter.] There are many other nuisances of the same kind, and I do not see why chimneysweepers should be selected. The noble lord would do well to move the adjournment of the Debate as there is no representative of the Home Office here. Otherwise I am afraid he will not be able to get the Second Reading.

Further Debate adjourned sine die.

House adjourned at five minutes past Five o'clock, to Monday next, a Quarter before Eleven o'clock.