Britain involved in
Boer War in South Africa. When men volunteered to join the army to
fight, around 50% of the potential recruits were found to be unfit.
1903-
1904
Government
set up an inter-departmental Committee on Physical Deterioration to
investigate whether the health of British people was getting worse.
It found many examples of poor health and living conditions.
1905
Conservative
government passed the Unemployed Workmen's Act. This allowed local
Distress Committees to help unemployed workers with small cash handouts
or temporary work.
Liberal party won the general election in December 1905 with a
huge majority. Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman became Prime Minister;
Herbert Asquith became Chancellor of the Exchequer.
1906
Liberals passed the
Education (Provision of Meals) Act. This allowed (but did not force)
local authorities to provide free meals for children in their schools
1907
Liberals passed the
Education (Administrative Provisions) Act. This allowed local authorities
to carry out school medical inspections.
1908
In April
Asquith became the leader of the Liberals and Prime Minister. David
Lloyd George became Chancellor of the Exchequer and Winston Churchill
became Home Secretary.
Children and Young Persons Act passed. This protected young persons
from going to prison and set up separate children's courts. It became
an offence for parents to neglect children.
Liberals also introduced Old Age Pensions.
1909
Liberals
introduced Labour Exchanges. These provided places where unemployed
workers could see what jobs were available in their area.
Liberals brought in the Trade Boards Act. This set out minimum wages
that could be paid to workers in industries like lace-making or match
production. By 1914 ten separate trades were included. The main people
who benefited were women working from home or in small workshops.
1909
Liberals introduced
the Housing and Town Planning Act. This allowed local authorities
to pull down slum housing.
1911
Liberals introduced
the National Insurance Act. Part 1 provided help for workers who were
taken ill. Part 2 provided help for workers who were unemployed.
