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(B). In the Annual Report of the late Medical Officer of
Health, Dr. Tripe, he stated, "There have been greatly increased
duties placed on the Sanitary Staff by the Factory and Workshop
Act, 1891, which have not been, and cannot be met by the present
Inspectors, so that they must remain unattended to."
The last permanent increase in the number of Sanitary
Inspectors was made in the month of June, 1891. This increase
brought the staff up to five permanent Inspectors, and it still remains
at that number.
Again; since the last increase made in the permanent staff of
Sanitary Inspectors, legislation has placed further duties upon
the local authorities.
The following additional duties are imposed upon the Sanitary
Authority by the passing of the Public Health Act of 1891.:—
(1). Duty of enforcing abatement of Smoke nuisances.
(This was previously performed by the police, of whom
two were detailed in Hackney to give their whole time
to the work).
(2). The closing of underground rooms, formerly und< r the
control of the District Surveyors.
(3). Removal of dung or refuse, where owners are unable
or unwilling to remove.
(4). Inspection of newly-built houses, to see if water supply
and fittings are proper and sufficient.
(5). Under the head "Prevention of Infectious Diseases,"
the Sanitary Authority are obliged to disinfect and cleanse
rooms previously occupied by any person or persons
suffering from an infectious disease, should the master or
owner decline to do so.
(6). When Water Companies cut off the water from any
dwelling, notice of this must be sent to the Local