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The Home Secretary was at the same time requested to
receive a deputation from the society. In his reply he stated
that he was in communication with the Local Government
Board on the subject, and that he had referred the suggestions
of the Society to that Board, postponing ''for the present the
question of receiving the deputation.''
The Operative Bakers and Confectioners Union very
properly took up the question of "unsanitary bakehouses," in
the interests of their personal health and welfare, and obtained
an audience with Sir Charles Dilke, in the absence of the Home
Secretary, the Chief Inspector of Factories being present, to
represent their grievances. Mr. Broadhurst, M.P., who introduced
the deputation, stated that the main points they wished
to bring before the Government were the desirability of appointing
Government Inspectors of Bakehouses, and that the
Government should bring in an Act, or a clause in an Act, to
provide that for the future no bakehouse should be built underground.
Mr. Broadhurst quoted a paragraph in a memorial
presented by the deputation, as follows, the fact stated being
only too true:—"At present almost any kitchen or cellar is
turned into a bakehouse, often in close proximity to drains,
many being even undrained, and totally unfit places for the
manufacture of human food "Subsequently, as already
stated, the Home Secretary received the deputation, when several
of its members laid emphasis on the fact that the unsatisfactory
condition of bakehouses seriously affected the wholesome
character of bread. The right hon. gentleman, in reply, said
that the Government would, by legislation, prevent—at least, so
they proposed—the construction of underground bakehouses
for the future. As to the question of inspection, he could not
at present hold out any promise, but the memorial would be
taken into careful consideration.