London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Battersea 1934
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Battersea Borough]
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74
Drainage Work.
The bye-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 water-
closets, &c., are enforced by the Council. The former were revised
by the London County Council on 14th March, 1934.
During the year new drains were constructed to 149 new buildings,
or additions to existing buildings, and the drains of 113 old
buildings were partially or entirely reconstructed, under the
supervision of the Officers of the Department.
During 1934, 15 claims made by the owners that the Council
were liable for the reconstruction of the common portion of the
drainage systems of their premises were dealt with.
In 7 cases liability, wholly or in part, was admitted by the
Council, and the expenditure incurred by them under this head
amounted to £242 16s. 10d.
In 6 cases liability was not admitted, and 2 cases were still under
consideration at the end of the year.
The total number of plans of proposed drainage work deposited during 1934, as compared with 1933, was as under:—
| 1933 | 1934 | |
|---|---|---|
| Re-construction or repair of existing drains | 96 | 68 |
| New buildings or additions to existing buildings | 79 | 104 |
| 175 | 172 |
In 4 cases the Health Committee gave directions for proceedings
to be instituted if necessary against builders who had failed to submit
plans of drainage works executed by them, but in no case was it
found necessary to take legal action.
In 16 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 bye-laws.
These cases were reported to the Health Committee, who in
the circumstances reported to them ordered the offenders to be
cautioned.
During the year 1934, drains were tested by smoke on 552
occasions and in 107 cases the drains were found defective. The
water test was applied on 1,142 occasions, this being mainly
applied to drains in course of construction or reconstruction.
Soil pipes and drains were ventilated in 168 instances.
Water closets were provided in 44 cases and existing closets
repaired in 614 cases.
The total number of drains relaid during the year was 113.
Those cleansed and repaired numbered 406.