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85
Basements for sale purhses inclined to be overcrowded at "Sale" periods.
Sanitary arrangements : Sufficient and suitable in 75 per cent. In remainder
the common use by both sexes, accessibility, or cleanliness, were points for
criticism.
Messrooms : Found in 50 per cent. and these varied greatly in character and
suitability. It is desirable, at least, in Central London where most assistants are
far from their homes that more adequate mess-room accommodation should receive
attention.
Cloak Rooms, &c.: Adequate in 71 per cent. This might be improved.
Retiring rooms for female assistants : Provided in 26 per cent. Where several
females are employed it is almost a necessity.
Facilities for personal washing : Provided in 95 per cent. In some rather primitive.
Should be a compulsory provision where food is handled.
Seats : Adequate in 73 per cent. In som? it appeared that assistants were not
encouraged to sit down.
General Welfare arrangements and supervision: Exist in the very large shops
and stores.
First Aid provision: Found in 53 per cent.; specially necessary where knives
are used.
Living-in arrangements : An uncommon condition, only found in 7 and was
unsatisfactory in 1.
As will be noted from the above summary conditions of employment in
Westminster shops are generally good. There is room for improvement
in some cases as regards hours, heating, sanitary accommodation, cloak
rooms and, where possible, mess and retiring rooms.
Rag Flock Acts, 1911 and 1928.—There are no premises in the City
which come within the provisions of these Acts.
Fouling of Footways by Dogs—-By-law.—Seven cases of infringement
of the By-law were reported to the Council by the Commissioner of Police.
Summonses were issued against six of the offenders, one of whom was
ordered to pay the maximum penalty of 40s., the others being fined
10s. 6d., 7s. 6d., 5s. (2), and 2s. costs, respectively. In the remaining
case it was decided to take no action, the person concerned being a child
of fourteen years.
The Sanitary Inspectors kept observation in certain parts of the City
from which complaints had been received of offences against the By-law
being committed, but it was found impossible to obtain any evidence.
Schools.—In addition to the list of schools and other educational
establishments given in the report of the Medical Officer of Health of
1928, there are many professional, technical and other institutes and
educational establishments in the City, such as the Institutes of