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In the case of old buildings, the number of plans received was 417. In 1936
the total number was 430.
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.
Proceedings.
In no case was it found necessary to institute legal proceedings during the year.
Combined Drainage.
Orders under seal as to combined drainage were issued in respect of 22 premises.
The number in 1936 was 51.
CLOSET ACCOMMODATION.
In Table 22 on page 44, 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 overcrowded 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 formerly
caused considerable administrative difficulties.
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. During the first half of 1937, both the men's and women's
departments of the Great Portland Street Public Convenience, built in 1891, were
reconstructed.
Reports and comparative statements as to receipts for use of the underground
conveniences were regularly submitted to and considered by the Public Health
Committee.