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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 137 notices in regard to defects in
and necessity for cleansing cisterns were served and were complied with.
Water Supply in Dwelling Houses.—Only one certificate was granted under
Section 48 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, in respect of new and rebuilt
premises.
In 35 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, 1907. The supply was
provided after receipt of the intimation notice in 19 cases. In the remaining 16 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.
Drainage.
During the year, following the death of Inspector J. C. Wilson, Inspector
H. H. Clay, one of the district inspectors was appointed Drainage Inspector of
the portion of the Borough north of Marylebone Road, Inspector T. Gorniot continuing
in charge of the southern half.
The total number of drain inspections made during the year was 6,192
as against 7,554 in 1919.
The total number of plans deposited was 356, the number in 1919 being 278.
Plans relating to new buildings numbered 25, the number deposited in 1919
being 16.
In the case of old buildings, the number of plans received was 331. In 1919 the
total number was 262 and in 1918, 108.
In the bulk of the cases the arrangements shown were in accordance with the
by-laws and the work was allowed to proceed under the preliminary approval of the
Medical Officer of Health. In cases in which there was departure from the
requirements a special report was made to the Public Health Committee, who rarely
refused approval if satisfied that compliance was impossible and that there was
no possibility of nuisance or injury to health arising. In the majority of cases the
departure referred to closet accommodation and affected particularly conveniences
proposed to be constructed in basements.
On five occasions reports were submitted with regard to cases discovered by
the inspectors, in which drainage or sanitary work was being carried out without
permission from the Council and without deposit of plans, or not in compliance with
requirements. Proceedings in court were taken in all of these cases and fines
and costs imposed in each instance amounting in all to £8 and ^TlO 14s. respectively.
Combined Drainage.—Orders under seal as to combined drainage were issued
in respect of five premises. The number in 1919 was 4.
Closet Accommodation.
In the table at page 12, summarizing the work carried out by the district
inspectors, figures indicating the number of defects in water closets remedied and
of water closets erected are set out.
In most instances the closets erected were with a view to providing additional
accommodation in tenement houses, shops or workshops or in order to provide