ABSTRACT
The controversy on the Classical economists' attitude to regulation of hours and conditions of work has raged long and hard. On the one hand a long line of distinguished men starting with Marshall10 has regarded them as humanitarians and (to some extent) interventionists. On the other hand authoritative voices have been raised against them as stalwart opponents of factory legislation.11 One commentator has even
• Treatise on Wages, 1854, pp. 85-6; EB8 Combinations, p. 164. Workers would also harm themselves in the long run if they raised the price of the final product by their activities - EB8 Combinations, p. 163.
