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36
an order two years ago to all Local Authorities, calling on them
to supervise the conditions of these dwellings. I pointed out
in my annual report two years ago the great difficulties which
would be experienced in carrying out this order for the whole
of London satisfactorily. And although in this district we
loyally endeavoured to fulfil its provisions, other neighbouring
districts had not the sanitary staff to do so, and therefore the
order became almost a dead letter. In the new Act this has
been amended and instead of the Sanitary officials having to
find out for themselves the addresses of these outworkers, the
owners of workshops are now obliged to send to the Factory
Inspector from time to time a complete list of the persons
employed by them as outworkers. It will therefore be an easier
matter for outworkers' homes to be under proper supervision.
It is not generally known amongst the members of the
Vestry how much or to what extent the Local Authorities
exercise supervision over Factories and Workshops.
At the present time these places are under a dual control,
i.e., the Home Office and the Local Sanitary Authorities.
In the case of factories we have jurisdiction only so far as to
insure proper and sufficient sanitary conveniences being provided
for the employees. As regards the fencing of machinery,
working overtime, and the precautions necessary in dangerous
trades, and also in overcrowding, the Factory Inspector is
responsible. In that part of the Act relating to Workshops,
the Local Authorities are responsible for the enforcement of
proper and sufficient sanitary conveniences, regard being had
to the number and sex of the workpeople, and also for the prevention
of overcrowding and the proper ventilation of workrooms.
The Act provides that should the Factory Inspector in course
of his inspection of workshops note any insanitary conditions
he is required to report the same to the Local Sanitary Authorities,
and it is their duty to cause the same to be remedied and