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problems facing the Authority. The health of many families in Southwark
would undoubtedly benefit by improved, and in some cases larger housing
accommodation. There are still too many old people and physically handicapped
persons living on higher floors without lifts. Their circumstances
present a particularly pathetic aspect of the housing shortage.
Detailed consideration was given to cases referred for consideration
for rehousing on health grounds as well as to families who were found
to be overcrowded.
Common Lodging Houses
From information received from the National Assistance Board as
well as from an article in the "Observer" dated 11th March 1962 the
Ministry of Housing and Local Government were satisfied that there was
a real problem regarding Common Lodging Houses in London. They enquired
whether a new set of Model Bye-Laws would help local authorities to
improve lodging house conditions. A detailed questionnaire on this
subject was sent to each of the Medical Officers of Health of the City
and those Metropolitan boroughs in whose area common lodging houses
are situated. The large amount of information so obtained was collated
in this department and passed to the Standing Joint Committee for transmission
to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
The position in the six common lodging houses in Southwark is set
out in this report. Within the framework of the existing bye-laws conditions
are gradually being improved. They are still not up to present
day standards although they are much better than those in the large
common lodging house mentioned in the "Observer" article. The same
article pointed out that the "House Full" notice may be the worst
feature of a common lodging house, and stressed the importance of the
social aspects of the welfare of the residents.
Home Accidents
I am indebted to Dr. J.A. Scott, O.B. E., Medical Officer of Health,
London County Council, for information regarding the number of home
accidents reported by the London Ambulance Service according to cause
and age of patient, cause and Divisional area of residence, and the
total number occurring in residents in this Borough. The relevant details
are set out in a section of this report. In regard to the prevention
of home accidents, acknowledgement is made of the assistance
received from officials of the Gas and Electricity Boards in regard to
the state of appliances and the siting of meters in use by old people.
Mortuary and Coroner's Court
Reports regarding the accommodation at St. George's Churchyard