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84
Prevention of Spitting in its relation to the Spread
of Consumption.
During 1905 the Council decided to endeavour, as far as
possible, to prevent, or at least minimise, indiscriminate spitting—
a dangerous and objectionable habit. This decision was based
upon a Report presented by the Medical Officer of Health dealing
with Consumption of the Lungs as an infectious disease and its
chief method of spreading from person to person in the form of
dried tubercular expectoration as dust (vide Appendix, p. 72).
The Council expressed the opinion that spitting is a dangerous
as well as a filthy and disgusting habit, and should be, as far as
possible, suppressed—by legislation, if necessary; and that any
crusade against spitting is a distinct advance in preventive
measures against the spread of Consumption. With a view to
giving practical expression to their opinion, in so far as Lambeth
Borough is concerned, the Council resolved :—
1. That a circular letter be addressed to all licensed
victuallers, occupiers of all factories and workshops,
restaurant keepers, public companies (such as railway,
tramway and omnibus companies), &c., within the Borough,
pointing out the actual danger, from the point of view of the
spread of Consumption, of indiscriminate spitting, which is
also a filthy and disgusting habit; and suggesting the advisability
of " warning cards or notices" being put up in the
different Lambeth premises under their control (e.g., public
bars, workrooms and places, restaurants, railway stations,
tramcars and omnibuses, &c.).
2. That "warning cards or notices" against the dangerous,
filthy and disgusting habit of indiscriminate spitting be fixed
by the Borough Council in conspicuous and prominent
positions under its control, e.g., public libraries, public baths,
public conveniences, public lamps (refuge lamps and electric
arc lamps), &c., within the Borough.
3. That the Council instruct its officers to act, and take
proceedings, as may be found necessary, in connection with
the Bye-law against spitting, which was made by the
London County Council on July 10th, 1903.