Part A:
Joshua Drake allows his children to work in textile factories out of necessity. Two pieces of evidence from the passage are:
In response to the question of why he allows his children to work in places where they are ill-treated or over-worked, Joshua Drake states, "Necessity compels a man that has children to let them work."
When asked if he would allow his children to work in those factories if it were not for necessity, he responds with a straightforward "No," indicating that economic circumstances force him to make this decision.
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Part B:
Joshua Drake is supportive of a law that would limit working hours for children. Evidence of his sentiment can be found in the following statements:
When asked about the impact of a law limiting labor hours to eight hours a day, Joshua Drake states, "I would rather have it, and I believe that it would bring me into employ." This indicates that he sees such a law as a positive change that could potentially provide him with more work opportunities.
He further elaborates that if his children's work hours were reduced, even if he lost some income, he believes it would be better, as he says, "if I lost 5d. [pennies] a day from my children's work, and I got half-a-crown myself, it would be better." This shows that he values the welfare and well-being of his children over strict monetary gain, indicating his support for such a law.
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Part A: Joshua Drake allows his children to work in textile factories out of necessity.
Part B: Joshua Drake is supportive of a law that would limit working hours for children.