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A large quantity of foodstuffs are sold from barrows and stalls in various
parts of London, and unquestionably in many cases the sanitary condition of
the latter leaves much to be desired, and I regret, therefore, that no provision
was made in the Bill under review for control in the direction indicated, and
it is to be hoped that such will be included in the next General Powers Bill
of the London County Council, and if such be omitted I recommend that it be
referred to Mr. Remembrancer to endeavour to secure the addition of a clause
to this end.
When the Bill was laid before the House of Commons, in the latter half of
last year, the provisions more particularly affecting the Corporation were
contained in:—
Part IV. Smoke Nuisances.
Part V. Employment Agencies.
Part VI. Milk Supply.
Part IX. Miscellaneous and Financial.
As a result, however, of considerable opposition from the Corporation and
others, many alterations were made before the measure was placed upon the
Statute Book, and as the Act now stands there are only the clauses relating
to Smoke Nuisances and Employment Agencies that bear any relation to the
work of this Department.
Part IV.—Smoke Nuisances.—This part of the Act empowers the London
County Council, in any special case and at the request of the Sanitary
Authority, to enforce the provisions of section 23 (Furnaces and Steam
Vessels to consume their own Smoke) and section 24 (Summary Proceedings
for abatement of nuisances caused by Smoke) of the Public Health (London)
Act, 1891.
The Council is further empowered to enforce the provisions of the same
section of the Act of 1891—their application to any building or premises
belonging to or leased by a Sanitary Authority.
Power is also granted the Council to expend a sum not exceeding £500
per annum in making investigations and experiments with a view to combating
the nuisances arising in London from smoke. This provision is an admirable
one, and any steps likely to lead to the abatement of this nuisance are to be
encouraged.
Part V.—Employment Agencies.—In consequence of the abuses existent in
the conduct of agencies for the employment of governesses, female domestic
servants, and other female persons seeking their aid, the London County
Council obtained powers in their General Powers Act of 1905 for the
registration and control of such agencies. These powers were repealed by