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3. The Local Authorities would not act and the Central
Authority did not compel them to do their duty or even to
provide the staff necessary to make the inspections.
Since 1878 the opinion that sanitary matters should be left in the
hands of Sanitary Authorities has gradually gained ground. Moreover
the enormous accession of duty that continued to be thrown
upon the Factory Department of the Home Office rendered the
practical application of this idea a necessity, as the Inspectors of
the department are few in number, and though all of them are
highly educated engineers, they are not necessarily trained in
practical sanitation.
First in 1883 the sanitary adminstration of bakehouses was
handed back to Local Authorities, then in 1891 the workshops
followed, and I understand that it is seriously contemplated in high
places that by future legislation H. M. Factory Inspectors are to be
relieved of their responsibility for the sanitary condition of the
factories.
MEMORANDUM on the DUTIES of the VESTRY
WITH RESPECT to WORKSHOPS
AND WORKPLACES, Etc.
The duties and obligations of the Sanitary Authorities in London,
with respect to Factories, Workshops, Laundries, and Bakehouses,
are set forth in the Factory and Workshops Acts of 1878, 1883,
1891, and 1895, and the Public Health (London) Act of 1891.
workshop The expression "Workshop" means any premises, room or place,
enclosed or in the open air, (not being a Factory within the meaning
of the Act), wherein any manual labour is exercised by way of
trade, or for the purpose of gain.
(a) In the making of any article, or part of an article.
(b) ??? the altering, repairing, ornamenting, or finishing of
any article.
(c) In adapting any article for sale by sorting, packing,
folding or labeling.