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80
Local Authorities have for many years past possessed extensive powers
with regard to the sanitary condition of bakehouses, but these powers are
still further increased by the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901 (section 101),
which enacts that
"After the 1st day of January, 1904, an underground bakehouse
"shall not be used as a bakehouse unless certified by the Local
"Authority to be suitable as regards construction, light, ventilation,
"and in all other respects."
The evident intention of the Act is to abolish underground bakehouses, and
if any are to be allowed to remain, it is obvious that the most hygienic conditions
can be insisted upon before such an enabling Certificate is granted.
Of the 44 bakehouses existing, 36 are "underground bakehouses," that is
to say, the floor is more than 3 ft. below the surface of the ground adjacent
(see Diagram, page 84).
Inasmuch, however, as the Certificate must be obtained by the 31st
December, 1903, and a large amount of capital is invested in some of these
premises, it seemed only reasonable that the owners should have due notice of
the probable requirements some time in advance to enable them to be in a
position to decide upon their course of action. Notices were therefore issued
early in the year, upon my advice, and with the sanction of the Sanitary
Committee, to all bakehouse owners calling their attention to the law, and
requesting such as were desirous of continuing the use of their premises, to
make written application to the Corporation upon forms specially prepared for
the purpose, accompanied by plans and sections showing the construction and
means of lighting and ventilation, &c., of the bakehouse for which a Certificate
was desired. The following is a copy of the Notice, &c., issued:—
Corporation
of London
NOTICE
Re UNDERGROUND BAKEHOUSES.
To
of
or other the owner or occupier of the Underground Bakehouse situate No.
Under Section 101 of the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901 (see next page),
an Underground Bakehouse may not be occupied as such in the City of
London after January 1st, 1904, unless certified by the Corporation of
London to be suitable for the purpose.