Disraeli’s Administration

The Cabinet Disraeli was the first person to be officially called “Prime Minister” Chancellor of the Exchequer: Sir Stafford Northcote Home Secretary: Richard Cross Foreign Secretary: Lord Derby (son of Lord Derby) Disraeli became Lord Beaconsfield in 1876 The job of leading the Conservatives in the House of Commons was given to Northcote

Disraeli’s Approach Disraeli left a lot of the domestic legislation to Cross –Disraeli was more interested in foreign affairs –Disraeli wanted to “make an effective contrast with the Liberals’ destructive hyperactivity” (Parry) Most of the acts were improvements or refinements of Liberal measures

The Acts 1875 Artisans’ Dwellings Act –Liberals introduced it but Tories took credit –Slum dwellings can be torn down by councils –Used by EVIL JOE in Birmingham 1875 Public Health Act –Local councils responsible for sewage and drainage, and infectious disease containment –‘Nuisances’ to be removed –Contaminated food was to be destroyed

Egad Sirrah! Further Acts! 1875 Pure Food And Drugs Act –No tampering with food or drugs! 1875 Climbing Boys Act…? 1875 Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act –If a trade union does something that would be legal if done by a person, then it’s legal –This means picketing is legalised

Stem this bleeding and write down more acts! 1876 Education Act –Minor changes to Forster’s Education Act –School fees to be paid by local authorities 1876 Empress of India Act –Queen Victoria gets to be Empress of India –Disraeli becomes popular with palace and people –Victoria now as important as her daughter

In the hidden room, you will discover… 1878 Employers and Workmen Act –All workshops and factories with 50 or more employees will be inspected by the government, not the local authorities