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their premises had been taken away by the repeal of the Bakehouse
Regulation Act, 1863. They were, however, given to understand
that, under the Nuisance Removal Act, 1855, and the amending Act,
18G3, Sanitary officials have power to inspect any article of food, such
as bread or flour, in process of manufacture, or intended for the use of
man ; and that anyone obstructing them in the execution of their duty
is liable to a heavy penalty.*
In one instance I found part of an underground bakehouse divided
oil by a slight partition, and used as a sleeping room.
Under the old Bakehouse Act this would have been clearly illegal;
but since its repeal we have, ordinarily, no control over such objectionable
arrangements. This room, however, being an undergrounddwelling,
came within the provisions of the 103rd section of the
Metropolis Local Management Act; and as the requirements were
not carried out, it was an illegally-occupied cellar dwelling. We had
great difficulty in persuading the owner that this was the case, and
that he could not be permitted to continue the use of the room for
sleeping purposes. A summons was actually taken out, but before the
hearing the owner changed his mind, and gave up the use of the room.
In three instances improperly - placed closets were removed.
Numerous defects of drainage were remedied under notices served
on the occupiers, though legal proceedings had to be taken in four
instances before the work was completed to our satisfaction.
November 15th, 1882, it was resolved:—"That the Sanitary Committee
having considered the communications from the Vestry of St. Pancras
respecting the present state of the law for regulating bakehouses, and
having also taken into consideration the report presented to them by their
own Medical Officer of Health upon the same subject, are of opinion :
"(1st) That the present condition of things is most unsatisfactory.
"(2nd) That fresh legislation upon the lines of the Bakehouse Regulation
Act of 1863, but with increased powers, is urgently needed.
"(3rd) That any new Act should compel the registration and licensing,
not only of bakehouses, but of all businesses which involve the
preparation and cooking of human food for public consumption ;
and such new Act should also direct the issuing of proper bye-laws
for the regulation, management, and periodical inspection of all
premises licensed under the Act."
The following account of the transactions of the St. Pancras Vestry
upon this important subject will be read with interest, especially as it
gives the opinion of the whole of the Metropolitan Vestries upon the
matter.
*lhe Factories and Workshops' Amendment Act, passed August 25th, 1883,hands back the
control of the Bakehouses to the sanitary authorities.