View report page

29
Authorities power for this inspection and supervision. In reply the Minister drew
attention to the powers possessed by Local Authorities in London under the Public
Health (London) Act, 1801, for deaJing with insanitary premises, and the Minister
considered that in view of the decision in the case of Bennett v. Harding (1900),
the expression "workplace" which occurs in Sub-Section 2 of Section 38 of the
Act, was wide enough to cover offices. Subsequently, however, a further letter
was addressed bv the Minister to the Standing Joint Committee expressing the
hope that it would be found possible for some Metropolitan "Borough Council to
arrange for a test case. No such test- case however, has yet been taken.
Smoke Abatement.
The smoke shafts in the Borough were frequently kept under observation and
n 241 cases the inspections were tecorded. Some of these observations were nude in
the early morning when smoke pollution is more prevalent. Generally the observations
extended over periods of not less than one hour. TCight complaints were also received.
As the result of the inspections two intimation notices were served.
Much of the black smoke nuisance arises from caieless or inefficient stoking.
Stoking is usually considered an unskilled employment, and the stoker commonly
ireceivesbut little instructions how to carry out his work. With a view to encouraging
careful and efficient stoking, poster cards giving practical instruction as to stoking, and
suitable for hanging in boiler rooms, were obtained and a number of employers agreed
to exhibit them
There are some grounds for hoping much nuisance from smoke might be
avoided by the more general use of smokeless fuel and there are indications that
progress in this direction is being made. Such fuel is made by treating small coal;
at the same time all the valuable products contained therein are also retained.
The producers of this fuel claim that it lights easier than coal, requires less
attention, remains bright and radiant, maintains a uniform heat, creates no smoke,
deposits no soot, ensures clear flues, radiates twice as much heat as coal and
generally makes for comfort, cleanliness and economy. It is urged that its nse
is equally suitable for domestic or industrial purposes.
Observations are being made in the Public Health "Department, and at the
Co"ncil's disinfecting depot w'th a view to ascertaining how far smokeless fuel now
on the market meets the claims put forward by the promoters. These experiments
are not yet completed but the indication at the date of the preparation of this report
is that so far as its heating properties and absence from smoke are concerned the
fuel is satisfactory; on the other hand, weight for weisht the smokeless fuel is
more bulkv than ordinary coal, and this may to some extent hinder its general use
in crowded areas like Central London where storage accommodation is very limited
Common Lodging Houses Acts, 1851 and 1853.
Thirteen Common Lodging Houses are registered in the Borouph for 967
lodgers, viz., 842 males and 135 females.