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134
BAKEHOUSES.
At the end of 1910, the total number of bakehouses in the
borough was 60—of which 24 are above ground and 36 below
ground. Many, if not all of these bakehouses are contiguous to
shops where the bread baked is sold.
All the bakehouses are periodically inspected; in 1910 the
number of visits paid was 146.
Notices for cleansing and dilapidations were issued in 26
instances—these were all complied with.
Two complaints were received :—
1. It was alleged that a baker was in the habit of sleeping
in the bakehouse. The baker himself denied the allegation
; his wife, however, admitted it to be true. Surprise
visits were paid to the premises, but the baker was never
actually found to sleep in the bakehouse.
2. A bakehouse was reported to be in a dirty and insanitary
condition. The premises were visited and it was found
that a fowl run had been placed on the flat surface over
the oven of the bakehouse, and accommodated 11 fowls.
The walls and ceiling of the bakehouse were very filthy.
Notices were served on the occupier, and the nuisances were
abated.
Sale and Exchange of Bread—A special enquiry on this
subject was instituted in the borough at the request of the Local
Government Board, and the following information ascertained :—
There are in Finsbury 280 shops where bread is sold : these include
shops attached to bakehouses and to bakers' premises.
Of these, the proprietors of 41 shops admitted that they exchanged
bread, but it is very likely that this number is too low—
in all probability one half of the whole number or even more exchange
bread especially for regular customers. The bread must
be in good condition on return, or exchange is refused : in one
shop it was stated that on one occasion when a loaf was returned,
it was found that a mouse had eaten holes into it.