Disraeli's First Ministry {HOME}

• Power to the local authority to purchase, clear and then redevelop slums
• Scheme financed with low-interst government loans

Public Health Act

• Minimum standards of draining, sewage and refuse
• Compulsory of a medical officer of health who was charged with reporting all infectious disease
• Public works established in most districts to replace private water companies and water sellers

Sale of Food and Drugs Act

• Stamp out the adulteration of food
• Attempt to regulate the industry

Rivers Pollution Act (1885)

• Control of 'noxious fluids' into rivers
• Harsh measures were opposed and few carried out

Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act (1875)

• Replaced unpopular Criminal Law Amendment Act from 1871
• Altered the conspiracy laws
• Unions could no longer be prosecuted for doing anything collectively that would be legal if done by an individual
• Legalised peaceful picketing
• Gave unions the right to strike

The Employers and Workmen Act (1875)

• Contract of service which gave employees terms that were on a par with those of employers
• Both sides were liable under civil law and this removed the unfair system of employees being liable for breach of contract under criminal law

• Consolidation of previous Factory Acts
• Set the code of regulations for conditions in factories
• Five day working week for women and young pople up to five with a half day on a Saturday
• 56 hours = maximum a week
• Reduced men's working hours
• Brought other industires in line with the textile industry and all factories came under the umbrella of a State inspectorate

• Regular inspection of ships by the Board of Trade Officials
• Better accommodation for sailors
• Introduction of the 'Plimsoll Line'

• Lord Sandon's Education Act (1876)
• Attempted to improve school attendance by setting up school attendanc committees
• Stopped short of compulsory attendance
• Children couldn't get a job unless they produced an attendance or attainment certificate