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178
Shelters are not appreciated by the persons for whose use they
are intended. The sub-section referred to is to the following
effect—
"The Sanitary Authority shall provide, free of charge, temporary
shelter or house accommodation, with any necessary attendants,
for the members of any family in which any dangerous infectious
di tease has appeared, and who have been compelled to leave their
dwellings for the purpose of enabling such dwellings to be disinfected
by the Sanitary Authority."
In my sixth report (1895) I reported with reference to the
subject as follows—
"The sub-section (4) is a re enactment of the provisions contained in
section 15 of the Infectious Disease (Prevention) Act, 1890, now
repealed as far as London is concerncd, to which I directed your
Vestry's attention in my tenth monthly report for that year, and
on subsequent occasions. Nothing, however, has been done in this
parish to give effect to the requirements of the sub-section, which
are of an obligatory character. In December, 1894, the Medical
Officer of Health to the London County Council prepared a return,
showing what had been done, in the way of providing the required
accommodation, by the Sanitary Authorities, to the number of 20
(out of 43) of these bodies; such accommodation varying widely in
extent and suitability in the different districts. The Medical
Officer stated that 'somewhat different views had been taken by
the several Sanitary Authorities who have provided a shelter, as
to the character of the accommodation which is required. In some
instances this accommodation is provided for use by night, but in
others only day accommodation has been considered necessary.
The time occupied in the removal of infected articles to the disinfecting
station, in their disinfection, and in their return, extends
to several hours. The time occupied in the purification of the
room, often the only room of the family, extends to many hours.
It is obvious, therefore,' as the Medical Officer pointed out, 'that
the use of the shelter by night must be contemplated in any
arrangements made; provision, however, which would meet the
necessities of the use of the dwelling-room by night, has not, in a
number of instances, been made.' The Medical Officer further
stated 'that the opinion was frequently expressed during the
inquiry that poor persons were unwilling to use the accommodation
which had been provided;' but that 'in connection with this
difficulty it deserves to be pointed out, that these people need the
experience which time only can give,' and 'will eventually find this