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44
of the district, which is almost entirely inhabited by an
industrial population, a large proportion of which belongs
to the poorer classes, together with the condition of the
dwellings observed during the inspection, show that there
is great need for a systematic house-to-house inspection;
again, nothing short of a complete inspection of the district
in this sense will ensure an adequate supervision of workshops
in Bethnal Green. Further, the proposed bye-laws as
to honses let in lodgings which have been deposited with
the Local Government Board for confirmation will increase
both the amount of inspection and the clerical work of the
department. The addition of one other Sanitary Inspector,
making a total of six for the Parish, and additional clerical
aid, will I think be necessary, in order that the work of the
department may be efficiently carried out.
The Vestry should take steps to provide a shelter for persons
during the disinfection of their rooms.''
C. W. F. Young,
Assistant Medical Officer of Health.
This report was referred to the Sanitary Committee by whom it
was considered, but as so little improvement had resulted from the
appointment of the last two officers I was not encouraged to advise
further increase in the number of Inspectors, but strongly urged the
necessity of an additional Clerk; the Committee, however, reported
to the Vestry "That they were of opinion that the existing number
of Inspectors was sufficient, and recommended that the Council be
so informed."
This report was not accepted by the Board but was sent back for
reconsideration and further report.
Much dissatisfaction was expressed by prominent members of the
Vestry at the small benefit which had resulted from the late appointments
in the Sanitary Department; the opinion was also expressed
that the staff was already too large, and that the limited supervision
a Medical Officer of Health, who was in private practice could
exercise was insufficient. Obviously two courses were open, either
to require the Medical Officer to retire from private practice, or to