View report page

40
of satisfactory conditions as regards construction, height, light and ventilation. Owing to the
great difficulty in securing structural alterations which would involve the use of materials now
in very short supply it has not been considered desirable to carry out this examination.
After prolonged negotiations with the Ministry of Works, the occupiers of two basement
bakehouses, with the support of the Borough Council, secured licences to rebuild or adapt their
premises, and work on new premises, above ground, complying in all respects with modern ideas
for bakehouses, is in progress. It is to be hoped that, as conditions improve, other occupiers
of basement bakehouses will be encouraged to take similar action.
The Factories Act also requires the inspection of bakehouses twice yearly, in addition to the
above-mentioned provision, to secure the limewashing, painting and washing down of the
internal surfaces of the bakehouse. Even here great difficulty is experienced in getting the
necessary work done, as the bulk of materials used for redecoration is primarily reserved for
housing work.
As with many other concerns labour difficulty is experienced by the bakers in this
borough, the shortage of skilled labour involving them in difficulties associated not only with the
business itself but also with the local authority as regards the regular cleansing of the bakehouse.
The provision of proper and adequate clothing also presents great difficulty, as the issue
of industrial coupons only suffices for about one set of apron, trousers and cap, whereas it was
the usual practice to use two, or even three, sets a week.
Hot water is available for ablution purposes at all times in the bakehouses in the borough,
but the soap and towel rations are inadequate.
Despite all these difficulties conditions have improved in the past two years, although there
is still much to be achieved before the ideals envisaged in the Factories Act, 1937, and the Food
and Drugs Act, 1938, are obtained in everv bakehouse in the borough.