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35
In circular 120 of the 25th August, 1920, the Minister suggested
arrangements be made by sanitary authorities for all theatres, music
halls, and other places of public entertainment, to be visited periodically
with regard to their sanitary condition. The Secretary of State also
suggested that, when considering an application for the granting or
renewal of a licence for any place of public entertainment, licensing
authorities should require a certificate from the sanitary authority that
the condition of the building is satisfactory in all sanitary and other
respects. A report on the condition of places of amusement is sent to
the Middlesex County Council before they consider the renewal of the
licences ; and a similar report is sent to the licensing justices before the
Brewster Sessions.
Smoke Abatement.
Some places in the district offend the Smoke Abatement bye-laws
and in ordinary times special observations are carried out more especially
of these premises. During last year these numbered three. One complaint
was received and the nuisance satisfactorily abated.
Factories Act, 1937.
This Act consolidated previous factory and workshop legislation and
effected certain changes. In general, the enforcement of its provisions
rests with the Home Office. The district council, though, are charged
with certain duties relating to outworkers ; to the employment of persons
in unwholesome premises, basements, bakehouses, and the provision of
sanitary conveniences in all factories, and also cleanliness, overcrowding,
temperature, ventilation and drainage of floors in the case of factories
in which mechanical power is not used. In this district there are 464
factories with mechanical power, 159 without, and 138 workplaces. The
number of visits paid to these three classes of premises was 80, 16 and 10.
Of the 35 public health nuisances detected, 13 were due to want of
cleanliness. The sanitary accommodation was unsatisfactory in 16
instances, unsuitable or defective in 6, unclean or insufficient in 9, and
not separate for the sexes in one. Six other nuisances were noted.
Particulars of 87 outworkers resident in the area were received. To these
premises, 63 visits were paid.
Shops Acts.
The Council, as a local health authority, is responsible for enforcing
the provisions relating to the ventilation and temperature of shops and
to the sanitary conveniences. As a local authority under the Shops Acts,
it is responsible for the provisions relating to lighting and facilities for
washing and taking meals. It is concerned then, not only with the actual
condition of the premises, but also with the condition of employment of
the assistants, in particular, regarding off-duty time in the day and the
weekly half-holiday. Orders may be made fixing a particular day for
half-day closing, and fixing the closing hours at night. There is no