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1903]
286
First.—That the Inspector at present engaged in the inspection of
Houses let in Lodgings in the Northern District and the administration of
the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts (so far as the procuring of samples) shall in
the future devote the whole of his time to the latter duty. Such an arrangement
to take place when the Council has settled the question of fees with the
Public Analyst.
Second.—That an additional Inspector be appointed for the inspection of
Houses let in Lodgings situated in the Northern District.
Let me point out that the imposition of the duty of inspecting houses let
in lodgings on the District Inspectors would be very unevenly distributed,
because whereas one of them would have to inspect 162 houses, probably
those too requiring the most supervision, another would only be required to
look after 3 houses. Any other step than that I have proposed would in my
opinion be a retrogade one, for reasons already stated.
An examination of the report of the London County Council, herewith
enclosed, shows that in nearly every Borough Inspectors are being selected for
special work, those with a special aptitude being chosen.
My proposal comes to this: that the work of the staff generally remains as
heretofore, that Inspector Ward be relieved of the Houses let in Lodgings, and
that an Inspector be appointed in his place to the Northern District. I think
that these proposals, in view of the largely increased duties of your staff, must
be considered most moderate by every person who has studied the sanitary
administration of this and other boroughs.
I am,
Your obedient Servant,
A. E. HARRIS,
Medical Officer of Health.
Town Hall, Islington,
10th June, 1903.