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Cisterns.—The bulk of the houses in the Borough, in accordance with the
requirements 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 many houses no such step is taken. During the year 29 notices were
served in regard to defects in and necessity for cleansing cisterns. The fact that
the number is falling year by year (in 1930, 29, against 102 in 1925), suggests,
however, that improvements are occurring in this connection.
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 ten. As showing the progress made in building it may be noted that in
each of the years since 1925, when five certificates were granted, the numbers
issued have been in 1926, 7 ; in 1927, 19; in 1928, 21 ; in 1929, 10.
That these certificates have value from the health point of view may be
accepted, though there is the risk, as has been found elsewhere, that they may be
regarded as certificates of completion and suitability for habitation of the premises
and may be held as such.
In 9 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 all cases.
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 steadily diminishing. In 1925 the number of notices served was 23.
Drainage.
There have been few changes in regard to work in this connection during the
last five years. Duties in connection with drainage in the portion of the Borough
north of Marylebone Road, which were allotted to Inspector Cook in 1929 have
been in his hands ever since, duties in the southern half being performed by
Inspector Gorniot, and later by Inspector Draper. Engaged exclusively in drainage
work, these officers between them in 1930 made 5,394 inspections.
The total number of plans deposited was 380 in respect of 4(il premises, as
against 499 and 547 respectively in 1929 and in 1925 460.
The number relating to new buildings was 41. The number deposited in 1929
was 82 and in 1925, 74.
In the case of old buildings, the number of plans received was 339. In 1929
the total number was 367 and in 1925, 386.
In the bulk of the cases the arrangements shown were in accordance with th'.:
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 conveniinces
proposed to be constructed in basements.
Now that the new by-laws (1930) of the London County Council with regard
to sanitary conveniences are in operation the number of such cases will diminish,
provision having been made for accepting as compliance a number of arrangements
which were definitely outside the provisions of the earlier by-laws.
Combined Drainage.—Orders under seal as to combined drainage were issued
n respect of 46 premises. The number in 1925 was 63.