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Section 16. It is uncertain whether, in order to include owners,
existing Bye-Laws will require amendment or not, before the ByeLaws
can impose any duty upon them.
Section 17 (3). The service of notice upon every Owner will
involve considerable work of a nature not suited to the Health
Department.
Section 21, restricts the power of a Court of Summary Jurisdiction
to extend time.
*Section 35, exempts from Inhabited House duty any house
occupied solely for the purpose of letting lodgings to persons of the
working classes at a charge not exceeding 6d. a night for each
person, upon the production of a certificate to the effect that the
house is solely constructed and used to afford suitable accommodation
for the lodgers and that due provision is made for their sanitary
requirements.
Section 38 provides for joint action by Local Authorities where
the Local Government Board are satisfied that such joint action
is expedient generally or in a special case, and the Board may by
Order make provision for the purpose.
Section 39 by providing that on any appeal the Local Government
Board may state a special case upon a point of law, and shall do
so when ordered by the High Court, scarcely opens the door for
frequent litigation, as the initiation will lie not with the litigants but
*The meaning of Section 35 is somewhat obscure, a common result of legislation
by reference. It is not quite clear what Medical Officer of Health is
required to give the necessary certificate in London. The London County
Council and their Officers have always supervised and regulated Common
Lodging Houses in the Metropolis, and have resented any interference by
Officers of the Borough Councils. The Inland Revenue Officers have
decided to require the certificate of the Local Medical Officer of Health
before granting relief of taxation. Several applications have been made
to me, but in no instance have I been able to grant the certificate on first
inspection. The fact that the London County Council Inspector is satisfied
with the sanitary condition of the premises in no way influences my
opinion and an informal notice has followed each application. I have no
power to enforce my requirements, but I do not grant the certificate until
they are complied with.— G P.B.