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153
dealing directly with the control of bakehouses in other parts of London, and I have
not heard of any instance where action has been taken or attempted to revoke such
a certificate.
I would ask the Committee to remember that the outlook of the public with
regard to public health matters has altered considerably in the last thirty years,
and premises which were considered suitable for baking purposes in 1904 would
in no circumstances be regarded, for purposes of certification, as satisfactory at
the present time. It would be possible to serve notices on the owners of certain
bakehouses demanding that certain work should be carried out, but I wish to
emphasize the point that the work asked for could be of only comparatively limited
scope, and that this work could not, for example, create a satisfactory bakehouse
out of premises which are at present underground, cramped, badly lighted and badly
ventilated. I am, therefore, of opinion that it would be unwise to ask for extensive
structural work in respect of the worst bakehouses, and that efforts should be made
to obtain a revocation of the certificate.
As was pointed out above, there are at present no powers by which this can be
accomplished, and as the question of the suitability of baking premises is not confined
solely to the Borough of Shoreditch, I suggest that this Council should initiate a
discussion with other local authorities in London with a view to the institution of
new powers containing special provisions for the abolition of the old system of
permanent certification and the substitution therefor of annual registration following
an inspection by officials of the local authority. In the meantime efforts are being
made to improve the cleanliness and general condition of the bakehouses and notices
are being served for the carrying out of the repair of minor defects. Further, in
the case of this Borough an opportunity to effect the closing of a number of these
bakehouses is given by the powers of the local authority and of the London County
Council under the Housing Acts. Thirteen bakehouses are situated in areas which
are either being dealt with or will be dealt with by this Council or by the London
County Council.
E. Ashworth Underwood,
Medical Officer of Health.
Public Health Offices,
23rd September, 1936.
The Council adopted my suggestion and the main provisions of the repor
were referred to the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee. It was
felt that the time was particularly appropriate for official action, as a new Factory
Bill was then before Parliament. The history of the further proceedings to the
time of writing is contained in the following report of the Public Health Committee,
which was adopted by the Council at the meeting which was held on 25th May,
1937:—
"That your Committee have had before them a report submitted to, and
adopted by, the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee, referring
to Clause 52 of the Factories Bill, relating to basement bakehouses and expressing