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V
on this the suggestion is made that these basements are the only rooms
occupied and that their occupation is contrary to law.
In a number of instances the basements constitute the dwelling, and
their use as such is legal as they comply with the requirements laid down
by Acts of Parliament and By-laws made thereunder. The other half are
basements which are used in conjunction with the rest of the house, most
of them being mansions in Mayfair, Belgravia and Knightsbridge. As I
have already stated, the number of basements found to be illegally used
last year was seven.
From the nature of their occupation a number of persons must live
within easy access of their work and the Council early resolved that
housing accommodation should be provided for such. With this object,
in addition to the existing buildings in Ingestre Place and Marshall Street,
they have erected Norfolk, Probyn and Jessel Buildings in Regency
Street, and propose to add thereto, and Walden House. But beside
these Westminster is well provided with dwellings of this class. The
County Council erected buildings at Millbank, and adjoining Long Acre,
giving accommodation for 4,000 persons; the Peabody Trustees have
added to their existing buildings by a large block in Vauxhall Bridge
Road, and in Great Peter Street in substitution for buildings in Buckingham
Gate, and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners have erected a considerable
number.
Moreover, Westminster assists financially to a large extent towards
the Housing Schemes for the rest of London. There are many people
at present living in Westminster whose work takes them far away from
it, and they would be glad to live nearer their work. The provision of
houses in such districts is an advantage to present residents in the City.
Previous to 1901 no instruction or help was given to women as to the
upbringing of their children. In 1903 under the auspices of the Council
the Westminster Health Society was inaugurated for this purpose. After
watching its work the Local Government Board were satisfied that it was
of importance, and sanctioned the appointment of Health Visitors by
local authorities throughout the country. The Council then took over
part of the City and appointed its own Health Visitors for that part
and granted a yearly subsidy to the Health Society towards its work in
the other part. I have in the body of the Report shown in some detail
what has been the beneficient effects of this branch of the Council's
activities. A Dental Clinic has now been added and is also doing good
work among mothers and children.
With regard to Tuberculosis, the Council from the first took active
steps to deal with this complaint. Voluntary notification was introduced,
Visitors appointed, beds secured in Sanatoria, &c., until compulsory