London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Acton 1906

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Acton]

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72
they are employed; and also that he shall send, on or before the 1st
day of February and the 1st day of August in each year copies of
those lists to the Council. The last Home Office Order placed the
following classes of work in this category:—
1. Making, cleaning, washing, altering, ornamenting, finishing
and repairing of wearing apparel and any work incidental thereto.
2. Making, ornamenting, mending, and finishing of lace and of
lace curtains and nets.
3. Cabinet and furniture making and upholstery work.
4. Making of electro-plate.
5. Making of files.
6. Fur-pulling.
7. Making of iron and steel cables and chains; making of steel
anchors and grapnels.
8. Making of cart-gear, including swivels, rings, loops, gear
buckles, mullin bits, hoops and attachments or all kinds.
9. Making of covers for, and the covering, finishing, altering or
repairing of, umbrellas, sunshades, parasols, and articles of a similar
character, and any work incidental thereto.
10. Making of paper bags and paper boxes.
11. Brush making.
12. Making of stuffed toys.
Throughout the country there is a general complaint that lists
are very irregularly sent in, and though Acton compares favourably
with most similar districts, it is probable that our list of outworkers
is an incomplete one. In October, a circular was received from the
Home Office, in which the Secretary of State directed the attention
of the Council to the enforcement of the provisions of the Factory Act,
that dealt with the subject of homework. This circular was considered
by the Health Committee in November, and the requirements of the
latest Order on the subject were advertised in the local papers.
Occupiers who had formerly sent in lists were also circularised, and
the Health Visitor makes inquiries into the subject of homework in
the course of her ordinary visits. The Council has done everything
that is practically possible to obtain a complete and accurate list.