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In 1897 I communicated with medical officers of health in London with a view to learning
whether their authorities would give opportunity to the keepers of common lodging-houses to free their
bedding from vermin by using the apparatus the authorities have provided for disinfection. In many
instances a favourable reply was received.
It is satisfactory to observe that there has been a marked improvement in the condition of common
lodging-houses in London, especially in respect of cleanliness. During 1897 I personally inspected every
common lodging-house in which women are received (see appendix III.) as well as many which are
occupied by men. The condition of common lodging-houses in London is in marked contrast with that
of much tenemented property. The weekly visits of the Council's inspectors and the steady enforcement
of regulations ensures for those inhabiting these houses conditions which are largely wanting in very
many houses let in lodgings, but which could be ensured and indeed are ensured whenever sanitary
authorities seriously address themselves to this duty. The experience gained during the few years the
Council has been responsible for the administration of common lodging-houses points, however, to the
need of greater power of control in one respect. Regulations may be complied with, but a keeper may
himself fail to exercise sufficient control over his lodgers to ensure their orderly conduct. The frequent
practice of leaving the house in charge of a deputy, the keeper himself not being resident on the
premises, makes this power the more necessary. It would be provided if such houses were required to
be annually licensed and if every keeper knew that his right to keep a common lodging-house in
London were dependent on his managing the house and its inmates so that they shall not be a nuisance
to the neighbourhood. Such power is given to local authorities in Scotland by the Public Health
(Scotland) Act of 1897.
The Vestry of St. Margaret and St. John, Westminster, during the year addressed a communication
to other sanitary authorities urging the desirability of representations being made to the Home