Page:Economic Development in Denmark Before and During the World War.djvu/76

60 of a Chairman appointed by the Crown and eight members appointed by the Secretary of the Home Office, of whom at least three must be employers and at least three workmen. Employers' and workmen's organizations have the right of nominating these latter members. This Council has more than justified its appointment. It has co-operated in determining dispensations from the act, as well as in framing the above-named municipal measures, trade regulations and bills. It has taken the initiative in examining conditions in domestic industry and the sources of ill-health in the various trades.

Following the New Factory Act of 1901, an act concerning work in bakeries and confectionaries was passed in 1906 and amended in 1912. The original act had provided for a possible amendment at the end of ten years, but it was not until April 29, 1913, that a new act was passed. This act of 1913 prohibits the employment of children in workshops subject to state inspection before they shall have left school, and provides that the Medical Council of the Health Department shall appoint one of the members of the Labour Council.

The discussion of this act brought forth many conflicting opinions. No provision had been made for the protection of women other than the old one relating to their period of confinement. In Denmark, as in all other civilized countries, sentiment in favour of women's emancipation had been growing very rapidly. Women had risen to political equality with men, and efforts were being made to secure their admission to public office. More and more they had come to be regarded as above any claims for special protection. If they were to be the political equals of men it was contended that they must have the same access to night work; a prohibition against it would be an offence against their self-determination. An intended provision prohibiting night work for women, which had really sprung from humane considerations and was in conformity with foreign legislation, consequently had to be