View report page

70
SECTION Y.
LEGISLATION OF 1913.
ACTS, CIRCULARS, ORDERS, REGULATIONS.
The Mental Deficiency Act
comes into force on April 1st, 1914. This Act during its passage to the Statute
Book met with considerable opposition from Members of Parliament and others,
who regarded some of its provisions as an interference with the liberty of the
subject. To this class of people liberty means unbridled license, each man to
do as he pleases, regardless of his neighbour's comfort and welfare. For
further remarks see the section on "Education."
The Fabrics (Misdescription) Act.
The title itself is, curious to state, a "mis-description." It is better known
as "The Flannelette Act," and is designed to prevent the sale of this material,
or any other textile fabric, as "non-flammable," if, on testing a piece thereof in a
stated manner, it takes alight. This is the outcome of protests from countless
coroners' juries and a report from a departmental committee of the Home Office
issued as long ago as August, 1910. The penalties are heavy, i.e., £10 for the
first offence and £50 for subsequent offences. Male or female inspectors are to
be appointed by the Local Sanitary Authorities with power to institute and
carry on proceedings. It comes in force on 1st April, 1914.
The National Insurance (Amending) Act.
This amends parts I. and III. of the Act of 1911. One important amendment
secures the maternity benefit to the mother who may authorise the
husband to receive it, but he must hand it over to his wife. More money is
supplied by the Government, out of which the societies are to provide medical
attention for their non-insured members.
The National Insurance Act, 1911, came into force as regards payment of
contributions by employed and employers and sanitorium benefits on July 15th,
1912, but as regards medical benefits not until January, 1913. Part I. is
entitled "National Health Insurance"; Part II. "Unemployment Insurance";
Part III. contains some general provisions. Altogether there are 115 sections
in this important measure, whose provisions are both complex and novel.
Shops Act, 1913.
This short Act amends the Act of 1912 in its application to premises for
the sale of refreshments.