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19
I have now laid before you the fullest particulars that it is possible to
obtain respecting the borough unless, indeed, such as could only be ascertained
by a house to house investigation, and, in a great borough like Islington, at a
considerable expense and by the employment of a special staff of Inspectors.
I think, however, that with the information which is now in your hands you
will be enabled to come down on the overcrowded spots of the borough.
It, however, rather exaggerates the prevailing conditions owing to the
Kegistrar-General's definition of "overcrowding;" but bearing this in mind
you will be able to distinguish between it and legal overcrowding—that is,
from overcrowding to abate which you would obtain an Abatement Order in a
Court of Summary Jurisdiction. I do not, however, suggest that you should
take no action on this account. Far from it, because I think, firstly, it would
be extremely unwise to allow overcrowding to go on until its abatement could
only be obtained by legal force; and, secondly, that the great health interests
of the public are best served by the prevention of evils, rather than by their
abatement when they have arisen. It is folly to wait to close the stable door
until the steed has been stolen.
I have not made any suggestions in this report as to the means of abating
the overcrowding, because I have inferred from your discussions that your
object in desiring a report from me was to obtain particulars, such as I have
now given you, with a view to your consideration of the question of Housing
Overcrowded Persons.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
Medical Officer of Health.
Town Hail,
Upper Street, N.
21 st March, 1904.