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39
The inquiry was held at the Vestry Hall by the late Mr. D. Cubitt
Nichols and Mr. Shirley F. Murphy (the present Medical Officer of
Health for the County of London), with whom were associated, on
behalf of the Vestry, Mr. Christopher Forrest and Mr. James George
Hilditch.
Much evidence was taken, and many houses were inspected by
the Commissioners. Eventually a report was presented to the
Home Secretary and by him to both Houses of Parliament.
The concluding paragraphs of this report were as follows:—
" We are of opinion that the immediate sanitary requirements
of the Parish may be summarised as follows:—
1. The re-organisation of the Sanitary Department,
so that the work of the Inspectors is to a greater
extent superintended or controlled by the Medical
Officer of Health.
2. The appointment of additional Sanitary Inspectors;
we be'ieve that two officers in addition to those now
engaged is the minimum increase which should be
made.
3. The institution of a system of periodical house-tohouse
inspection throughout the Parish, especially in
those parts occupied by the poorer people.
4. The adoption of regulations as to houses let in lodgings.
5. The exercise by the Vestry and the Metropolitan
Board of Works respectively of the powers conferred
by the Artizans and Labourers Dwelling Act, 1862-82,
and the Metropolis Local Management Act, and Buildings
Acts (amendment) Act, 1882, for the removal of
structural conditions rendering houses unfit for occupation
.
6. The more complete exercise of the powers under the
Nuisance Removal Acts, 1855, &c., and the Metropolis
Local Management Act, 1855, as to the cleanliness
and wholesomeness of houses, the water supply to
closets, and the better paving of yards and courts.