View report page

7
were then made, more particularly the re-organisation of the sanitary department and its more complete
supervision by the medical officer of health. Amongst other recommendations it was at that time
considered needful that there should be an addition of two inspectors, making a total of four sanitary
inspectors. The vestry, however, made at that time only one such appointment, a fourth inspector was
not appointed till the end of the year 1893, when it was found necessary to increase the staff in order
to cope with new duties which had been imposed upon sanitary authorities in London by recent
legislation. The vestry have already recognised that this increase in the staff is inadequate for the
purpose of dealing with the additional work entailed by the passing of the Public Health (London) Act,
1891, and since the commencement of my inquiry, have resolved that another sanitary inspector shall be
appointed, making a total of five. I do not, however, think that five inspectors will be sufficient for carrying
out the work which requires to be done in the parish. The character of the district, which is almost
entirely inhabited by an industrial population, a large proportion of which belongs to the poorer classes,
together with the condition of the dwellings observed during the inspection, show that there is great
need for a systematic house to house inspection; again, nothing short of a complete inspection of
the district in this sense will ensure an adequate supervision of workshops in Bethnal.green. Further,
the proposed by.laws as to houses let in lodgings which have been deposited with the Local Government
Board for confirmation will increase both the amount of inspection and the clerical work of the
department. The addition of one other sanitary inspector, making a total of six for the parish, and
additional clerical aid, will I think be necessary, in order that the work of the department may be
efficiently carried out.
The vestry should take steps to provide a shelter for persons during the disinfection of
their rooms.
C. W. F. Young,
Assistant Medical Officer of Health.