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139
The matter was referred to the Borough Surveyor and myself,
who suggested an amendment of the Metropolis Local Management
Acts on the lines of a provision obtained by the West Ham
Corporation in their Act of 1898, Section 42, which enacts:—
42. "In and for the purposes of Section 41 of the Act of
''1893, the word ' drain' shall be deemed to include any sewer
"or drain whether constructed before or after the passing of
"this Act with which two or more houses or premises (whether
"belonging to the same or different owners) are at the date of
" the passing of this Act or may at any time thereafter be con"nected
or which is used or capable of being or intended to be
''used for the conveyance of the drainage of such houses or
" buildings directly or by means of any other sewer or drain to
" any public sewer situate under a street repairable by the in"
habitants at large but shall not include any sewer which has
"been constructed to the satisfaction of the Corporation under
"Section 152 of the Public Health Act, 1875, or any sewer
''which has been constructed by the Corporation for the effectual
"drainage of the Borough."
Section 41 of the West Ham Corporation Act, 1893, is practically
the same as Sections 82, 83, 84 and 85 of the Metropolis
Local Management Act, 1855, and Section 64 of the Metropolis
Local Management Act, 1862.
The effect of this provision is that all sewers and drains, other
than public sewers constructed by or taken over by the Corporation
are maintainable by the owners.
The Public Health and Housing Committee being of opinion
the amendment of the Metropolis Local Management Acts on
similar lines is desirable, and that a joint representation should be
made to the Government with a view to the introduction of a public
bill dealing with the matter, the Committee recommended the
Council to concur in this opinion, and the London County Council
be so informed.