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At present persuasion is used, but the condition persists for a considerable
time. It is difficult to suggest any solution of the problem other than the granting
to local authorities of powers to compel removal to suitable institutions. The
principle of such compulsory power has been established by the Bradford
Corporation Act, 1925. Under this Act a Court of Summary Jurisdiction may, on
the application of the Medical Officer of Health, issue an order for the removal of
any aged, infirm or physically incapacitated person where it is shown that, in the
public interest or in the interest of the person concerned, such removal is necessary.
During the year 1926 the views of the Council were asked as to the desirability
of similar provisions being incorporated in a London County Council (General
Powers) Bill and on the recommendation of the Public Health Committee the
Council adopted a resolution approving in principle that Metropolitan, Borough
and City Councils should be granted powers to obtain the removal of infirm and
diseased persons in certain cases, and approving a request to the London County
Council to insert provision accordingly in their next General Powers Bill.
In the London County Council (General Powers) Bill introduced into the
House of Commons in the session 1928, a section is included to give power to a
petty sessional court to make an order for the removal to a suitable hospital or
other institution, of aged, infirm or physically incapacitated persons, subject to
conditions specified and a certificate from a Medical Officer of Health that such
person is unable to attend to himself or to receive from persons with whom he
resides proper care and attention.
Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restriction) Acts, 1920-1923.
No application was received during the year for a certificate under the above
Acts that a house was not in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation or
otherwise not in a reasonable state of repair.
One application was received from the landlord of a house for a certificate that
the repairs required to put a dwelling house into a reasonable state of repair had
been executed to the satisfaction of the Sanitary Authority. The work necessary
having been efficiently carried out, this certificate was granted.
Nuisances—Complaints from Relieving Officers.
Under Section III of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, it is the duty
of every Relieving Officer in accordance with the regulations of the Authority having
control over him, to give information to a Sanitary Authority of any nuisance
liable to be dealt with summarily under the Act. In accordance with this requirement
four informations of nuisances were received from the Believing Officers
during the year, dealing with the dirty condition of rooms, overcrowding and
offensive smells arising from the improper keeping of cats and dogs. Steps were
at once taken to secure the abatement of the nuisances referred to.
This co-operation with the Officers of the Board of Guardians is found to be
most useful.
Nuisances Caused by Dogs.
With a view to the prevention of nuisances from the fouling of footways by
dogs the Council, in the year 1926, made the following by-law:—