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8
The total number of plans deposited was 510 in respect of 662 premises, as
against 380 and 442 respectively in 1932.
The number relating to new buildings was 47. The number deposited in 1932
was 21. '
In the case of old buildings, the number of plans received was 463. In 1932
the total number was 359.
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.
Since the new by-laws (1930) of the London County Council with regard to
sanitary conveniences have been in operation the number of such cases has greatly
diminished and further reduction will follow when the amended code relating to
drainage is approved.
Proceedings.— In one case it was discovered that drainage work had been
executed improperly and without notice to the Sanitary Authority as required by
the By-laws. Legal proceedings were taken and the defendant was fined
£3 0s. Od. No costs were granted.
Combined Drainage.— Orders under seal as to combined drainage were issued
in respect of 49 premises. The number in 1932 was 56.
Closet Accommodation.
In the table at page 60, summarising 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 afford
suitable separate accommodation for women in places where both sexes were or
were about to be employed. Though there may be here and there a small lock-up
shop in which it is necessary for the individuals engaged on the premises to make
use of a convenience in some other part of the building, or more rarely in an
adjoining building, there are no premises in the Borough totally without sanitary
conveniences of this type. The only class of closet is, of course, the water closet.
One of the great difficulties experienced from time to time is in regard to
finding a suitable place for a convenience and a position in which there will be
complete compliance with the requirements of the regulations in respect of waterclosets.
This is particularly the case in relation to closets in basements and in the
more over-crowded business and shopping portions of the Borough. All plans
showing proposals to construct water-closets are most carefully scrutinised, but as
already noted, the 1930 by-laws having considerably modified the requirements so
far as situation is concerned, the need for granting special approval now less
frequently arises. Particularly by allowing of the introduction of closets in bathrooms
entered directly from rooms used exclusively as sleeping or dressing-rooms
they have met a demand that has been increasing for some time and that caused
considerable administrative difficulties. The fact that partly as a result of the
introduction of these provisions the erection of the first hotel in the metropolis, if
not in the country to provide each bedroom with en suite a bath-room containing
all the sanitary conveniences (The Cumberland Hotel at Marble Arch, opened
during the year) may be noted.
Public Sanitary Conveniences.— The usual supervision was exercised over the
public conveniences during the year, Inspector Hill, the outdoor superintendent,
visiting those provided for the use of males; the women inspectors, especially Miss
Baker, supervising those provided for females.
Reports and comparative statements as to receipts for use of the underground
conveniences were regularly submitted to and considered by the Public Health
Committee.