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89
LAUNDRIES.
"With the exception of the large power laundries the
conditions are not satisfactory. The ordinary dwelling house is
of necessity unsuitable for laundry work even where specially
built ironing rooms arid wash-houses have been added.
(a) Defects.—The defects most frequently found are defective
ironing room and wash-house floors and defective yard paving,
also want of cleanliness.
(b) Air Space.—The air space is generally ample, the full
number of people allowed seldom being employed.
(c) Ventilation.—The ventilation of the ironing rooms in
the hand laundries will not be satisfactory so long as ''overhead"
drying and the drying of clothes around the stoves are
permitted.
(d) Sanitary Conveniences.—In the matter of cleanliness
these do not compare favourably with those of the workshops.
The accommodation is usually sufficient, but in some cases has
not been separate for the sexes. In all such cases further
accommodation has been provided.
OUTWORKERS.
The outworkers in Willesden are comparatively few in
number, and the work for the most part is done at irregular
intervals to supplement the income, not as the sole means of
support. In many cases the outworker has also a workshop and
so is dealt with under that heading.
The conditions are generally quite satisfactory. Not
infrequently the outworkers resent inspection as they work only
occasionally and " employ no one."