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to include under separate and distinctive headings a complete description of particular
works; and thereby to render it easier for any person concerned to ascertain
the detailed requirements in so far as they relate to the work to be carried out.
Various suggestions have been submitted by the metropolitan borough councils,
technical associations and other bodies concerned, who have been consulted, and it
has been found practicable to include in a more or less modified form many of the
suggestions made.
In addition to minor alterations, variations and additions made for the purpose
of simplifying either the requirements or the wording, or both, alterations, etc., are
embodied in the revised by-laws dealing with:—
(i.) Inclusion of definitions of a sewage drain, etc.
(ii.) Inlets to a surface water drain intercepted from a sewage drain.
(iii.) The coating of all cast-iron pipes as a prevention against corrosion.
(iv.) Permitting, with specified precautions, drain inlets within buildings
where an external position is impossible.
(v.) Defining the depth of water-seal in traps.
(vi.) Requiring, where an intercepting trap is not provided between drain
and sewer, an air-tight cover to any means of access, and the construction of a
drain, if within or under a building, of cast-iron.
(vii.) Provision for drain ventilation so as to afford a safe outlet for foul air.
(viii.) Reduction of minimum diameter of drain ventilating pipes from 4 inches
to 3 inches, and soil pipes and soil ventilating pipes from 31/2 inches to 3 inches.
(ix.) Construction of soil pipes so as to be gas-tight.
(x.) Requirements as to materials, form of construction and flushing of slop
sinks.
(xi.) Materials, form of construction and ventilation of bath, lavatory
basin, bidet and sink waste pipes.
(xii.) Provision against alterations, etc., or works being carried out in such
a manner that any drainage work will not be in conformity with the by-laws.
In due course the revised by-laws were made by the Council and confirmed by
the Ministry of Health.
Public
Abattoirs
The administration and effect of public abattoirs in the leading cities of Europe,
and a number of the more important towns of Great Britain, as well as the desirability
of establishing such abattoirs in London were once again under consideration during
the year under review, the question having previously been considered from time
to time between 1889 and 1910.
One of the principal reasons adduced for the establishment of a public abattoir
is the better opportunity for the inspection of meat, which to be entirely effective
would necessitate the closing of all private slaughterhouses with, in all probability,
consequent payment of compensation.
The position as to inspection of private slaughterhouses has, however, been
changed materially by the coming into operation of the Public Health (Meat)
Regulations, 1924, under which notice of the time of slaughter has to be given to the
local authority who can therefore arrange for an inspector to be present. Provision
is also made for the inspection of the carcases of animals slaughtered in emergency.
These regulations are administered in London by the metropolitan borough councils.
The numbers of private slaughterhouses in London has steadily diminished.
In 1873 there were about 1,500; in 1897 the number had fallen to 467 (587,000
animals slaughtered); in 1928 it was 109 (88,000 animals slaughtered). Moreover,
conditions are changing in the meat trade in consequence of the development of the
science of refrigeration. Nearly three-quarters of the meat delivered at the Central
Meat Market, Smithfield, during recent years, has been American or Colonial. In
addition it is averred that it is now cheaper to transport dead meat from the country
to London than to send the animals alive.