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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 accordance 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 10 occupied premises. The reason for discontinuing the supply was in all cases
the non-payment 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 Metropolitan Water Board, are provided with a cistern, and though in a considerable
percentage water for drinking purposes is drawn direct from the main,
there are still a number in which supplies for all purposes are obtained from a cistern.
A bye-law of the Council requires that such cisterns shall be emptied and cleansed
every six months. During the year 15 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 17. The number in 1937
was four.
In 28 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 in all cases after
receipt of the intimation notice.
DRAINAGE.
During the year a large number of blocks of flats and commercial premises
have been erected, replacing private houses where the leases have expired. Business
and commercial premises are rapidly displacing private houses in the southern
portion of the Borough; while moderate and high-class flats, together with detached
residences, are still being constructed in the northern part of the Borough.
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 1938 made 3,564 inspections,
as shown in Table 25.