In 1850 mine inspectors were provided, and a number of precautions enforced to secure the safety of miners.

In 1864 several minor industries, dangerous in their nature, such as the manufacture of lucifer-matches, cartridges, etc., were brought under special regulations.

To these restrictive pieces of legislation should be added the Employers' Liability Act, enforcing the liability of employers for injuries sustained by workers through no fault of their own, and the "Truck" legislation, compelling the payment of wages in cash, and at suitable places.
This slight sketch will suffice to mark the leading features of a large class of laws which must be regarded as a growth of State socialism.
The following points deserve special attention-- 1.

These measures are all forced on Parliament by the recognition of actual grievances, and all are testimony to the failure of a system of complete _laissez faire_.
2.

They all imply a direct interference of the State with individual freedom--i.e.the worker cannot sell his labour as he likes; the capitalist cannot make what contracts he likes.
3.