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detriment and suffering by reason of the transport, by unsuitable means,
of persons who have been injured or taken ill in the streets or other public
places; and that the real evil arises from the great use which is made of
ordinary vehicles, such as cabs and vans, even in serious cases, which
require the transport of the patient by the best means possible.'
"The Committee was divided in opinion as to whether the London
County Council or Metropolitan Asylums Board should be the authority
for ambulance purposes in London.
"The present statute, which was introduced into the House of
Commons by Sir William Collins, reproduces the powers sought by the
London County Council three years ago, in order to enable them to provide
for London such ambulance service as the Departmental Committee's
investigations have shown to be required." (Paterson's Practical
Statutes.)
Trade Boards Act, 1909. 9 Edw. VII., Cap. 22.
"This statute enforces, subject to elaborate restrictions, the novel
principle of a minimum rate of wages in certain industries, commonly
known as ' sweated ' industries. These industries are (1) those specified
in the schedule (namely, ready-made and wholesale tailoring, the making
of paper or chip boxes, machine lace making and chain making); and
also (2) any other trade with exceptionally low wages to which the Act
may be applied by the Board of Trade under a provisional order requiring
the consent of Parliament.
"The method for fixing a minimum wage is by means of Trade
Boards, constituted under regulations by the Board of Trade, consisting
of an equal number of representatives, members of employers and workers>
together with appointed members whose number must be less than half
the total of representative members. It is the duty of Trade Boards to
fix minimum time-rates of wages, and they are also empowered to fix
general minimum piece-rates of wages. These minimum rates do not
become obligatory until sanctioned by an order of the Board of Trade
made after an interval of six months ; but they have at once a limited
operation (1) in the absence of a definite agreement; (2) when an
employer has given notice that he is willing to adopt them ; and (3) in the
case of contracts with a government department or a local authority.
"Power is given to Trade Boards to establish district trade committees,
with a constitution similar to their own, to which they may
delegate any of their powers and duties except that of fixing minimum