ABSTRACT
The Children‘s Employment Commission appointed in 1841 had been directed to inquire into the 'employment of children of the poorer classes in mines and collieries' as well as in the various branches of trade and manufacture. The new law, so far as the employment of boys was concerned, was not met with any enthusiasm in the colliery districts. The education of boys under the age of twelve years raised a loud outcry both from colliers and their agents; it was reported from Lancashire in 1863. The Mining Act extended to iron mines as well as coal mines. Accidents in coal mines, often involving serious loss of life, and also disablement to many, had for many years been frequent. The Inspectors of Mines did so is clear from the occasional details concerning their efforts in the matter given in their annual reports.
