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209
[1910
important. Mrs. Young shows in her report that out of 417 workplaces where food
is prepared, 80, or 19.1 per cent., were found to be unsatisfactory. It is not
pleasant reading to find that the kitchens of 12 out of 91 hotels and restaurants
were unsatisfactory, that those of 24 out of 137 coffee and dining rooms were
in a similar state, and that 6 out of 24 refreshment or tea rooms were in a
similar state, and that 15 out of 49 fried fish shops had to be dealt with. A
complete list of these places, giving the number which were satisfactory, and
the reverse, are given in her report.
The state of the utensils was also inquired into, and it was found that in 60
cases they were unsatisfactory. The provision made for the storage of food was
also inspected, with the result that the Inspector reports that it was unsatisfactory
in 68 instances.
Other matters, too, received attention, which Mrs. Young duly sets out
in her report, which altogether is one of very considerable interest and value,
but only one will be referred to here, and that is the necessity that exists
that all refuse from restaurant kitchens, and all places where food is prepared,
should be removed not less than twice every week. The Medical Officer of
Health, however, will go further and say that the refuse of all premises should
be so removed. He has long since reported in this direction, but his recommendation
was defeated on the ground that the cost would be doubled, although
the amount of refuse to be removed would be the same. He has always
believed that some serious error was made at that time in the calculation,
for his experience of eleven years in a great northern county borough (Sunderland),
where he was responsible for the removal of refuse, enabled him to
arrive at a very different conclusion.
Workshops notified to H.M. Inspector.- Under the provisions of
section 133 of the Factory and Workshop Act, the Medical Officer of Health,
as soon as he becomes aware that any woman, young child, or person is
employed in a workshop, shall forthwith send notice to the Inspector of
Factories.
During the year 127 such instances were notified in accordance with this
section.
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