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23
The problem appeared to be common to many London
boroughs and it was felt that the matter should be referred
to the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee to
determine the amount of space per lodger, and the provision
of proper amenities so that uniform standards could be
applied to hostels throughout the Metropolis.
Other unsatisfactory conditions in hostels came to
notice, such as insufficient W.C. accommodation (in one
hostel there were 38 lodgers with only one W.C.); the absence
of, or insufficient, bathing and washing facilities (in the
same hostel there was neither a serviceable bath nor
sanitary lavatory basin); unsatisfactory food preparation
and storage facilities; and lack of cleanliness (filthy
ceilings and walls, uncovered and dirty floors, accumulations
of dirt, dust and debris, stained and dirty bed-clothing).
The question of hostels was referred to the Joint
Committee of the Ministry of Health, the London County Council
and the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee. The
view was expressed at this Joint Committee that byelaws made
under Section 155 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936,
would be the appropriate statutory authority for dealing with
hostels, and an undertaking was given that the authorities
would be prepared to consider byelaws submitted to them.
The Council approved draft byelaws, which were submitted
to the Minister of Local Government and Planning, under
Part VIII of the London Government Act, 1939, for confirmation.
The Byelaws were confirmed by the Minister and came
into operation on the 1st November, 1951. The following
matters are dealt with in the byelaws
Interpretation of terms
Registration
Inspection
Sleeping rooms
Tickets as to the number of lodgers to
be exhibited
Byelaws to be exhibited and kept undefaced
Two children under the age of ten years to
be counted as one person
Use of underground rooms as sleeping rooms
Separation of sexes
Cleansing of hostels
Condition and use of dust receptacles
Yards, etc., to be kept in good order and
clean
Ventilation
Furniture
Bed and bedclothes to be aired
Precautions as to infectious disease
Water closets
Bathing and washing accommodation
Penalties
At the end of the year routine inspections of hostels
were being carried out to enforce the requirements of the
Byelaws.