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notably in the matter of cleanliness of bedding, continues to improve, and the weekly and often
bi-weekly inspection of these houses is ensuring for the inmates conditions which are slowly, but
constantly improving. Among the influences in this direction must undoubtedly be reckoned the
improved accommodation provided in many new houses, and which those who frequent common
lodging-houses evidently appreciate.
Customs and Inland Revenue Acts, 1890 and 1891.
The proceedings of medical officers of health under these Acts were as follows—In
Fulham certificates for exemption from inhabited house duty were granted in respect of 11 houses,
and refused in respect of 125. In St. George, Hanover-square, many improvements were effected
to meet the requirements of the medical officer of health. In Westminster, a certificate was granted
in respect of four blocks of dwellings containing 38 tenements. In Hackney, applications were
made relating to 79 tenancies, of which 46 were in condition which enabled the certificate to be
granted, whereas 33 required alterations and repairs. These were subsequently effected and the
tenements duly certified. The medical officer of health is of opinion that a certificate under these
Acts should not grant exemption for five years, but that a certificate should be required every year
when it relates to tenement property. In Bethnal-green, applications for certificates were received
for 365 separate tenements; 335 certificates were granted, and 30 were refused, as due provision
had not, in the opinion of the medical officer of health, been made for the sanitary requirements
of the tenants. In Lambeth, 131 applications were received, and 113 certificates granted unconditionally,
and 18 conditionally. In Battersea, there were applications for 72 certificates, all of
which were given. In Clapham, certificates were given in respect of 54 dwellings.
Underground Rooms.
In the following districts underground rooms illegally occupied were dealt with—
Paddington, 11; Chelsea, 11; St. George, Hanover-square, 4; "Westminster, 8; St. James,
Westminster, 4; St. Pancras, 10; Islington, 3; St. Giles, 10; Strand, 15; Holborn, 13; Clerkenwell,
30; St. Luke, 19; Bethnal-green, 10; Whitechapel, 10; St. George-in-the-East, 18; Limehouse,
4; Mile-end Old-town, 3; St. Saviour, Southwark, 1; St. George, Southwark, 5 ; Lambeth,
91 ; Battersea, 28; Wandsworth (Clapham), 2; Greenwich, 9; Lee (Charlton), 3.
The medical officer of health of Marylebone gives account of proceedings in respect of
underground rooms, and states that at the present time it is to be hoped that but few kitchens in
the district are occupied illegally.
In Plumstead proceedings under Part II. of the Housing of the Working Classes Act were
contemplated concerning 30 underground rooms which were let in connection with other rooms,
and which, therefore, were not subject to the provisions of section 96 of the Public Health
(London) Act. These proceedings became unnecessary owing to the owner agreeing to close the
underground rooms.
Factories and Workshops.
The efficiency of the action of sanitary authorities in respect of the inspection of workshops
differs much in the several London districts. In districts where inspectors have been especially
appointed for this duty much has undoubtedly been done, while in some others comparatively few
premises have been inspected, and the complaints of the inspectors of the Home Office appear in the
main to be relied on. In a few districts female inspectors have been appointed for the inspection
of premises on which women are employed, and the experience of their work has been such as to
encourage all sanitary authorities to adopt the same course. In several of the reports of medical
officers of health the' need is pointed out for increasing the staff of sanitary inspectors for the
inspection of workshops. In Clerkenwell the appointment of a sanitary inspector for the inspection
of registered houses, factories, and workshops, was under consideration, but the expected amalgamation
of Clerkenwell with other districts was deemed sufficient reason for postponing the appointment.
It is, however, obvious that any new authority will have to undertake this duty, and any
officer appointed at the present time would be transferred to the new authority. There is, therefore,
no adequate reason for postponing an appointment the necessity for which the medical officer of
health of Clerkenwell states was " generally admitted." The reports show that some of the
sanitary authorities have arranged for the inter-change of information as to the addresses of outworkers.
Other reports state that some of the sanitary authorities were of opinion that they should
be supplied with the addresses of outworkers who lived in their districts but worked in other
districts. The Chief Inspector of Factories gave opportunity for the examination at the HomeOffice
of all the lists of outworkers he received, but the medical officer of health of Marylebonestates
that on inspection these lists they were found to be of little use, mainly owing to the frequent
changes of address of the workers. " A list correct in March would be incorrect in three months
afterwards. There was, therefore, no course left but to apply direct to the various employers of
labour; this is being done." The Strand District Board has asked the County Council to undertake
the distribution of information as to the addresses of outworkers among the several sanitary
authorities, and the matter is still under the consideration of the Public Health Committee of the
Council. This work could, however, be more expeditiously done by the medical officers of health
of the districts, and would also be facilitated if employers of labour were required to send
periodically to the medical officer of health of the district in which the business premises are
situated information of the addresses of persons employed by him in the same manner as he now
sends such information to the superintending inspector of factories.
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