View report page

106
A difficulty in registration is encountered because Section 159 of the Barking
Corporation Act, 1933, does not apply to any premises occupied as a factory or
workshop. Most small shops come within this description and the restriction
imposed is very wide in its effect. Many representations have been made to remove
this bar and we are hopeful that the new Act relating to food will do so.
The number of inspections made during the year was 581.
It is found that where uncleanly conditions exist these are most often remedied
after verbal caution, but in one instance a butcher was summoned on two charges,
and fined the maximum penalty with costs.
(c) Bakehouses.—The same process of rationalisation which has been taking
place in the milk industry has been operating also in the bread industry.
The large multiple bakeries are gradually eliminating the small baker.
There remain eleven bakehouses in the district.
One bakehouse was demolished as the result of action by the department,
another was entirely remodelled and in respect of two others the occupiers have been
warned that statutory action will take place unless some very necessary improvements
are effected.
It is unfortunate that the present law places the duty of making the bakehouses
fit, upon the occupier. The small man usually lives a hand to mouth existence and
cannot meet the cost of the structural and equipment alterations required.
(d) Food Byelaws.—These byelaws were made under the Barking Corporation
Act, 1933, and when drafted provided for most of our requirements. The advent
of a new market ground has shown us the inadequacy of our byelaws in relation to:—
(1) Ablution facilities.
(2) Sanitary conveniences.
(3) Refuse containers.
(4) Paving and drainage of site.
(5) Storage of food.
If such markets are to become a feature of the district it is desirable that our
existing byelaws should be amended to deal with the above-mentioned matters.