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101
the Sanitary Authority of the district in which the workshop is
situate.
"A very large proportion of workshops, especially in the boot and
shoe trade, only employ men, and the Medical Officer of Health is
required by section 3 (1891), whenever he becomes aware of any
child, young person, or woman being employed in a workshop, forthwith
to give written notice thereof to the Factory Inspector of the
district. If in the course of his inspections the Inspector of Factories
observes that any of the provisions of the Public Health Act are disregarded,
he is required by section 4, 1878, to give notice in writing
to the Sanitary Authority of the district, and such Sanitary Authority
is to make inquiry into the complaint. The Act of 1895, section 3,
makes it the duty of the Sanitary Authority to inform the Inspector
of Factories as to the proceedings taken in consequence of the notice.
But if within one month (Factory Act, 1895, section 3, and 1891,
section 2), proceedings are not taken by the Sanitary Authority for
punishing or remedying the act, neglect, or default, the Inspectors of
Factories are authorised to take such proceedings and recover from
the Sanitary Authority all expenses incurred in any successful proceedings
except such as are recovered from any other person.
"Section 1, by enacting definitely that 250 cubic feet must be
allowed, will render the administration of the law with respect to
overcrowding much easier of enforcement. The requirement of 400
cubic feet when working overtime remains as before.
"Section 2, giving power to obtain an order from a court of
summary jurisdiction as to dangerous parts of a factory or workshop,
will enable H.M. Inspectors to secure the fencing of dangerous vats
and tanks, and to guard against such evils as could not be remedied
under the provisions of the law relating to public health.
"With reference to section 6, it will be the duty of H.M. Inspectors
to take proceedings if wearing apparel is made in factory or workshop