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51 1938
THE SHOPS ACT, 1934.
During the year 345 premises were added to the register, while 291 were removed,
a net increase of 54.
No difficulty was experienced during 1938, although the cold weather in
December was a severe test of existing heating systems which in some cases had to be
supplemented by other means.
Arising from this, the Inspector, Mr. G. S. Green, found on visiting one shop that
the staff were complaining of sickness and dizziness which had continued for two or
three days. Upon investigation he found that owing to the cold weather a coke
brazier had been used in the shop, and the staff had stood over this during intervals
of serving. Upon the Inspector's instructions the brazier was removed and an oil
stove substituted. There were no further complaints of sickness. Considering that
this shop was very well ventilated (half open front) the danger from carbon monoxide
poisoning is a point which needs watching on future occasions. A number of shops
are now fitted with a roller shutter, and when the shutter is raised free access to the
shop is obtained. In the cold weather it is difficult to keep the shop at a reasonable
temperature as is possible with the ordinary shop door. Unfortunately the shopkeeper
prefers an open door because in his opinion the public regards a closed
door as a closed shop. This can be obviated by the exhibition of a card on the door
indicating that the shop is "Open."
The following table shows the number of shops on the register at the end of
1938, visits paid, etc.:—
Number of shops on Register, 31st December, 1937 3,134
Number of shops removed from Register during 1938 291
2,843
Number of shops added to Register during 1938 345
Total number of shops on Register, 31st December, 1938 3,188
Total number of visits to shops 3,727
Number of intimation notices served 38
Statutory notices served 3
Number of cases in which work was carried out voluntarily 238
Exemption certificates issued in 1938 3
SMOKE ABATEMENT.
Twenty-nine observations were made by the District Inspectors, and 6 notices
requiring the abatement of the nuisances were served upon the owners concerned.
In no instance were legal proceedings instituted.
During the year two conferences were held with the object of establishing
a Greater London Advisory Council for Smoke Abatement, the initiative coming
from the established body, the National Smoke Abatement Society. It was felt that
progress could be made by propaganda, and keener interest aroused if a metropolitan
body could be created. The conference in February was presided over by Lord Snell.
the Chairman of the London County Council. Attention was drawn to the fact that
in recent years London has suffered from excessive pollution. So far as industrial
smoke was concerned there was no technical difficulty in prevention, or at least