THE INDUSTRIAL LAW COMMITTEE.
[TO THE EDITOR OF TILE 'SPECTATOR.']
SIR, I should like to call the attention of your readers to the Report of the Industrial Law Committee just issued. This small society has, ever since its formation, patiently laboured at teaching those people who come in contact with working women the protections which the law affords, and which are continually evaded. It often happens that women work under hard, insanitary, even disgraceful conditions which are absolutely illegal. They do not know the law, they are afraid to complain, and when on a visit of the inspector questions are put to them, they are often too frightened of the con- sequences to speak the truth. The Industrial Law Committee has organised lectures by experts all over the country, which are eagerly listened to by people interested in various forms of social and philanthropic work,—clergy of all denominations, district visitors, club workers, &c. Thus, instructed in the range of the protective laws, people are able, sometimes by informing his Majesty's inspectors, sometimes by friendly interviews with the employers, to set right unfair treatment, prevent overtime, and insist upon the work being carried on under the healthier conditions prescribed by the law- A glance at the Report will show the great number of lectures delivered in the year. The Home Office permits his Majesty's inspectors to lecture for the Com- mittee. This work is undertaken voluntarily by many of them, who sacrifice their time and leisure in the midst of arduous work. The Committee also has the advantage of the services of Mrs. H. J. Tennant and of Miss Maynard, its secretary, who was formerly a sanitary inspector. But the demand for lectures taxes the efforts of the Committee very highly; and if its income could be increased, it would be able to gain the assistance of other experts who cannot afford to give their time unpaid. The Committee asks for financial help with great confidence in the value of the work done, but less in that work's power to appeal. It is difficult to get money for an unemotional and undramatic effort, and yet those who are interested in the welfare of factory girls, and of women workers generally, could hardly do better than send a subscription to the honorary secretary of the Industrial Law Committee at York Mansion, York Street, Westminster.
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