Disraeli's domestic reforms 1874-80

When and what was the factory act? (and who did it annoy?)

1874

Introduced the 10 hour work day and half day Saturdays

(annoyed the nine hour movement as well as the new model unions who wanted 8)

When and what was the factory and workshops act?

1878

introduced general government factory inspections

When and what was the Artisan’s dwelling act, what act was it based on and why did it fail?

1875

It was based on Gladstone’s failed 1868 Torrens’ act

legalised slum clearances financed by loans BUT replacement housing had to be privately funded

Therefore, it was far too expensive to benefit anybody and an amending act had to be introduced in 1879.

When and what was the public health act?

1875

consolidated and enforced previous health legislation by combining it all into one act.

When and what was the sale of food and drugs act and why did it fail?

1875

Laws to reduce food adulteration (e.g. sawdust in bread)

Local authorities just ignored it mostly

When and what was the rivers pollution act and why did it fail?

1875

Aimed to reduce water pollution BUT did not define clearly what that was so it was not enforced well.

When and what was the conspiracy and protection of property act and what law did it undo?

1875

Legalised peaceful (broadly defined) picketing

undid Gladstone’s 1871 criminal law amendment act which outlawed striking

When and what was the employers and workmen act?

1875

Made breaches of contract between employer and employee illegal on both sides

When and what was Lord Sandon’s education act?

1876

Set up school attendance committees

When was income tax reduced and sugar duties abolished?

1874

When was the sinking fund bought back?

1875

When and what was the friendly societies act?

1875

In response to a royal commission, official registers were set up for these organisations

When and what was the unseaworthy ships act?

1875

Tried to enforce boat safety, was not very well enforced.

When and what was the merchant shipping act?

1876

Based on a liberal bill from 1873, it tried to introduce shipping quantity caps but was not enforced.

When and what were the two enclosures acts?

ACT 1: 1876, protected common land

ACT 2: 1878, protected epping forest

When and what was the intoxicating liquors act?

1874

Direct response to the 1872 Bruce licencing act, made things even worse for pubs.

When and what was the public worship regulation act?

1874

limited “ritualism” (catholicism) and made pre-existing prejudices worse