London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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City of Westminster 1926

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Westminster, City of]

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60
be carried on for long hours in an atmosphere where the temperature is
usually abnormally high.
The law with regard to the use of underground bakehouses is quite
definite and binding. Under the Factory and Workship Act, 1901, no
such bakehouse shall be used after the passing of this Act, unless it was in
use previously and certified to be suitable for the purpose. The processes
carried on in the kitchens of large hotels and restaurants are in many
respects similar to those in bakehouses and the objection to the use of the
latter would appear to hold good in regard to kitchens, particularly where
the proposed situation is in a sub-basement.
It has been found practicable in the case of many modern hotels,
hospitals, etc., to place kitchens on the top floor of the building, and this
custom is one which has all the advantages from a public health point of
view. The importance of the influences of fresh air and sunlight as factors
tending to diminish industrial fatigue is appreciated by those who are
interested in studying conditions of work and production. There is no
doubt that work performed for long hours in artificial light has a depressing
influence on health and this is also true, though perhaps to a less
extent, where there is no direct access to the fresh outside air. It would,
therefore, appear that any proposal to use sub-basement premises as
kitchens, or for the preparation of food, is of the nature of a retrograde
step—a return to conditions which are inconsistent with sanitary
progress."
Local By-laws and Regulations—The following by-laws and regulations
made by the City Council are in force in the City and became operative
on the dates mentioned
By-laws under the Public Health (London) Act, 1891—
Paving of yards and open spaces in connection with dwelling-houses.—
24th August, 1908.
Cleansing of Cisterns.—24th August, 1908.
Water-closets—water supply to.—24th August, 1908.
For the prevention of nuisances arising from—
(1) Snow, ice, salt, dust, ashes, rubbish, offal, carrion, fish or filth
or other matter or thing in any street.
(2) Any offensive matter running out of any manufactory, brewery,
slaughterhouse, knacker's yard, butcher's or fishmonger's
shop or any dunghill, into any uncovered space, whether or
not surrounded by a wall or fence.
(3) Keeping of animals in such place or manner as to be injurious or
dangerous to health.—2ith August, 1908.
Regulations as to underground sleeping places under Section 17 (7),
Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909.—1 \th January, 1916.