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39
SECTION C.-SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES.
Under this heading the Minister of Health calls for a report with regard to
Water, Closet Accommodation, Public Cleansing, Sanitary Inspection, and many
other matters. In respect of certain of these, 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 were few. All were dealt with, and a
remedy found.
Water Supply cut off.
In ccordance with the requirements of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936,
section 98 (1), the Metropolitan Water Board reported that the water had been cut
off in six premises. The reason for discontinuing the supply was in all cases the nonpayment
of rate.
In cases in which the premises were tenement houses, 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 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 bye-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 17 notices were served in regard to defects in
and necessity for cleansing cisterns.
Water Supply in Dwelling Houses.
The certificates granted under section 95 (2) of the Public Health (London) Act,
1936, in respect of new and rebuilt premises numbered four. The number in 1935
was twelve.
In 21 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 95 (5)
of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936. The supply was provided after receipt
of the intimation notice in all cases.
DRAINAGE.
During the past ten years there have been extensive building operations in all
parts of the Borough, blocks of flats or commercial premises replacing dwellings and
other buildings which have become worn out or the leases of which have expired.
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 Draper. Engaged
exclusively in drainage work, these officers between them in 1937 made 3,528 inspections.
The total number of plans deposited was 480 in respect of 591 premises, as
against 500 and 630 respectively in 1936.
The number relating to new buildings was 63. The number deposited in 1936
was 70.