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78.
These are frequently inspected and any defects noted are
referred to the London County Council, which is the authority
responsible.
Drainage Work.
The by-laws made by the London County Council under the
Metropolis Management Acts with regard to drainage, and also
those under the Public Health (London) Act relating to waterclosets,
&c., were amended and revised by that body, after consultation
with the Metropolitan Borough Councils. The amended
by-laws, after allowance by the Ministry of Health, came into
force in 1930.
During the year new drains were constructed to 88 new buildings,
or additions to existing buildings, and the drains of 182 old
buildings were partially or entirely reconstructed, under the
supervision of the Officers of the Department.
During 1931, 7 claims made by the owners that the Council
were liable for the reconstruction of some portion of the drainage
systems of their premises were dealt with.
In 2 cases liability, wholly or in part, was admitted by the
Council, and the expenditure incurred by them under this head
amounted to £54 15s. lid.
In 5 cases, liability was repudiated, but in 2 of these the Council
executed certain work in default of the owner, and the cost had
not been recovered at the end of the year.

In 22 cases work to drains and sanitary fittings was found
to have been carried out without notice having first been given
or plans submitted to the Council in accordance with the requirements
of the drainage by-laws.
These cases were reported to the Health Committee, and in
the majority of instances, explanations having been tendered by
the builder responsible, the Committee ordered the offenders to be
cautioned.
During the year 1931, 586 drains were tested by smoke of which
110 were found defective. The water test was applied on 2,052
occasions, this being mainly applied to drains in course of construction
or reconstruction. Soil pipes and ventilating pipes were
reconstructed or repaired in 121 instances.