Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Westminster, City of]
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inoned in respect of these offences and were convicted, fines and costs
amounting to £6 lis. 0d.
Closet Accommodation.—The water carriage system is in existence
throughout the City.
Public Sanitary Conveniences.—These are under the control of the
City Engineer. There are 33 underground conveniences in the City,
18 for men and 15 for women. In addition, there are 36 public urinals
for men. As reported last year, measures have been taken to improve the
ventilation of the older conveniences and otherwise to bring them up to
date. The demand for public conveniences increases as the residential
character of the central district of the City gives way to that of public
buildings, theatres and other places of amusement. In consequence, the
streets tend to become more thronged with people in the later hours of the
day. The number annually using public conveniences has reached the
surprising total of over 20 millions. Further, to meet public requirements,
the Council arranged that at least two (in Leicester Square and Piccadilly)
shall remain open all night. New conveniences are also being constructed
in certain areas.
The figures relating to collection and disposal of refuse during 1930 are as follows:—
Tons. | |
House refuse collected | 98,178 |
Trade refuse collected | 1,475 |
99,653 | |
Refuse barged away | 88,675 |
Refuse dealt with in Salvage Plant | 10,978 |
The Medical Officer of Health is indebted to Captain Cable, the City
Cleansing Surveyor, for the figures quoted above, and for the following
note. He writes :—
" House Refuse Collection.—The present system of refuse collection by
open vans is very unsatisfactory. Extensive tests have been carried out
and particular attention has been given to the two latest methods, one
being the Interchange of Bins system, by which a sterilised bin is left and
the full bin taken away, and the other system providing for the bins to be
shot in a dustless manner into a totally enclosed collecting vehicle in the