128 
JOURNAL OF THE PLYMOUTH INSTITUTION. 
THE REPORT OP THE FACTORY AND WORKSHOPS 
ACTS COMMISSION, 1875-6. 
ABSTRACT OF SIR GEORGE YOUNG'S PAPER. 
(Read February 15th, 1877.) 
The object of this Commission was to consider the working of the 
Factory and Workshops Acts, with a view to their consolidation 
and amendment. The matters referred to it may be divided into 
three heads: (i.) How to consolidate and simplify the fifteen 
Factory and Workshops Acts; (ii.) What amendments it was 
desirable to make in the existing law; (iii.) Whether any new 
occupations and industries ought now to be brought within the 
control of the law. 
(i.) The Commissioners found the law so constituted, that the 
occupations at present regulated were ranged upon three pla?ies, 
representing different degrees of strictness in regulation. These 
were (1) Textile Factories; (2) All other " Factories ; " that is, 
all places of work in certain specified trades, and all which em- 
ployed 50 hands in the rest; (3) " Workshops ;" that is, all places 
of work not employing 50 hands, in the trades not specified under 
(1) and (2). They recommended the abolition of the distinction 
between (2) and (3) ; but not, generally speaking, of that between 
(1) and (2). 
(ii.) Considered with reference to the subject matter of the law, 
there are three branches into which it may be divided : [a) Regu- 
lation of hours of labour ; (b) Educational provisions ; (c) Sanitary 
provisions. The Commissioners recommended amendments of the 
regulations of the hours of labour in a few cases. They proposed 
to transfer the bleaching and dyeing trades from Class (2) to Class 
(1). They endeavoured to simplify, without seriously reducing, 
the privileges given to particular trades and establishments by way 
of relaxation or modification of the law. They endeavoured to 
provide remedies for one or two grievances and abuses which 
