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
Finsbury 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Finsbury Borough]
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| No. of kitchens with matchboard lined walls | 52 | (32.3%) |
| No. of kitchens with matchboard lined ceilings | 43 | (27%) |
| No suitable storage facilities for refuse bins | 41 | (25.6%) |
| No constant hot water | 27 | (17%) |
| Absence of suitable clothing accommodation | 63 | (40%) |
| No overalls worn | 31 | (20%) |
| Absence of refrigeration | 8 | (5%) |
| W.C. without ventilated lobby | 10 | (6.25%) |
| No notice in W.C. re handwashing | 113 | (70.6%) |
| Unsatisfactory drainage | 14 | (8.75%) |
| No first aid equipment | 66 | (41%) |
| Lack of maintenance of equipment | 17 | (10.6%) |
| Evidence of infestation by vermin | 2 | (1.2%) |
| Walls of bare brick | 17 | (10.6%) |
| No security of tenure | 24 | (15%) |
It will be observed from the above figures that a considerable
amount of work will have to be carried out in order to bring the
premises up to a satisfactory state in accordance with the Food Hygiene
Regulations. This work will of necessity in some cases have to be
carried out over a fairly long period owing to various factors, e.g.,
(i) Where leases are nearing termination, negotiations have to
be completed for a new lease before the occupier is willing
to carry out extensive alterations.
(ii) Owing to the confined space in some of the premises it is
only possible to carry out works at weekends without interfering
with the trade.
(iii) Where extensive flooring work has to be carried out it is
only possible to do this during holiday periods.
Other difficulties revealed by the survey included the existence
of unsatisfactory conditions of tenancy and premises included in
possible slum clearance areas.
Following the initial inspections many further visits were made
to premises to meet builders and others to discuss proposals to effect
compliance with the Regulations and to supervise work in progress.
The total number of visits to restaurants, cafes and snack bars
during the year was 677.