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Section 40, Public Health (London) Act, gives power to Sanitary Authority
to authorise examination of water-closets, drains, &c., and even to open the
ground.
If not found in accordance with this Act and the Bye-laws of County
Council and Sanitary Authority respectively, the expense of examination
shall be repaid to the Sanitary Authority by the person offending.
If found in accordance, the Sanitary Authority shall reinstate and make
good everything, and pay all costs and full compensation for damage, &c.,
done.
It is obvious that without an adequate reason for believing that these
sanitary conveniences, &c., are defective, your officers will not incur such
responsibility; and if Bye-laws requiring plans, &c., are made, it will be
ensured that such work in the future is done in a proper manner.
Section 42 says : If a water-closet or drain is so constructed or repaired as
to be a nuisance or injury, or dangerous to health, the person who undertook
or executed such construction or repair shall be liable to a fine not exceeding
20l.
This is intended for protection of an employer against the wrongful acts of
his workmen, and is of no use to a Sanitary Authority for dealing with
offences committed many years ago.
Section 16 (b) Public Health (London) Act: The London County Council
shall make Bye-laws, &c., as to the closing and filling up of cesspools and
privies, and as to removal and disposal of refuse.
I have therefore to bring before your Honourable Committee the fact that
the absence of such Bye-laws hampers the action of this Authority in respect
to sanitary conveniences and drainage works, and to ask your earnest
consideration of this subject. I would suggest that if the Bye-laws applicable
to the City of London are adequate, that application should be made to the
Local Government Board for them to apply to the Port of London, but if
not, that the whole question be considered by the Corporation of the City of
London, and when made they should apply within the jurisdiction of the Port
Sanitary Authority.
Bye-laws are required—
1. For deposit of plans and notices of works of a sanitary nature.
2. Regulating construction of water-closets, earth-closets, privies, and
all sanitary works above and below ground.
3. Emptying of cesspits, earth-closets, privies, &c.
4. Water supply to closets and urinals.
5. Maintenance of sanitary conveniences in a proper state.