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Regulations, Schools, &c. In respect of some of these matters, on account of the
circumstances and arrangements existing in London Boroughs, there is little to be
said, and much of the information is obtainable only from other departments of the
Council or from other bodies. In order, however, to comply with the requirements
of the Ministry, and to assist in obtaining uniformity in reports, each of the more
. important matters is dealt with as fully as possible.
Water.
As usual, complaints as to water supply, either as regards quantity or quality,
were few. All were dealt with, and a remedy found.
Water Supply cut off.—In accordance with the requirements of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1891, Section 49 (1), the Metropolitan Water Board reported
that the water had been cut off in four premises. This is the lowest number for a
considerable period. The reasons for discontinuing the supply were: empty
premises, three; non-payment of rate, one.
In the event of the premises being a tenement house, action was taken
immediately on receipt of the Board's notice, in order to secure that the tenants
should suffer no hardship as a result of being deprived of water.
Cisterns.—The bulk of the houses in the Borough, in accordance with the
requirement of the Water Board, are provided with a cistern, and though in a
considerable percentage water for drinking purposes is drawn from the main, there
are still many in which supplies for all purposes are obtained from the cistern. In many
cases this leaves much to be desired, both as regards situation and accessibility, and
despite the fact that a by-law of the Council requires that the apparatus shall be
emptied and cleansed every six months, it cannot be doubted but that in a majority
of houses no such step is taken. During the year 115 notices in regard to defects in
and necessity for cleansing cisterns were served and were complied with.
Water Supply in Dwelling Houses.—The certificates granted under Section
48 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, in respect of new and rebuilt premises
numbered two.
In 66 instances intimation notices were served, calling for the provision of a
supply of water to the upper storeys of tenement houses, as required by Section 78
of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1897. The supply was
provided after receipt of the intimation notice in 54 cases. In the remaining 12 it
was found necessary to report the facts specifically to the Public Health Committee,
and obtain instructions for the issue of a statutory notice and the taking of all
necessary proceedings for its enforcement. Following receipt of this notice the work
was done, and no further action had to be taken.
The number of tenement houses in the Borough without a supply of water on
one or more of the upper floors, in addition to that in the lower part of the premises,
is now quite small, and as opportunity arises these will be dealt with.
Drainage.
During the war years work in regard to drainage, as in connection with the
majority of works of sanitation, fell away to a tremendous extent.
Throughout 1919, however, signs of a return to activity were definite, partly as
a result of increased activity on the part of the department, following the return of
inspectors from the Colours, and the bringing of the staff up to more or less its prewar
strength.