ABSTRACT
In 1841, a Commission was appointed for inquiring into the employment and condition of children in mines and manufactures. The investigation of the conditions in the calico print works of Lancashire was assigned to Mr J. L. Kennedy The children were found to be engaged chiefly in the processes of ‘block-printing’ and ‘teering’. The Factory Inspectors should have the same powers and duties in respect to print works as they already exercised in respect to the factories covered by the Factory Acts. The Bill included in the term ‘Print works’ the processes of ‘printing, dyeing, bleaching or calendering any cotton, linen or woollen fabric’. In connection with the Children’s Employment Commission, the investigation of the employment of children in the manufacture of lace was chiefly undertaken by one of the sub-commissioners, R. D. Grainger, who was assigned for this purpose to the Nottingham, Derby and Leicester districts.
