... were not properly regulated everywhere. Other historians have also often suggested that Disraeli's seemingly haphazard programme for social reform was inspired by political expediency, rather than a genuine interest in reform: 'By then, (1870) personal preference and the search for political advantage seemed to go hand in hand.'2 Disraeli may also have been pandering to the working classes in search of new voters, whilst hoping not to totally alienate the traditional aristocratic Conservative support. However, despite this, and the evidence that Disraeli had planned no coherent programme for social reform whilst in Opposition, he encouraged and supported his ministers in their actions to draft legislation. Also, some of the legislation passed during this time was deemed effective enough not to be changed until the next century, for example the Sale of Food and Drugs Act. Also, as Blake comments, 'Disraeli was at the head of the administration that brought [the ...

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