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Removal of house refuse.—In connection with complaints as to the manipulation of house refuse
at the depot of the Borough Council of Bethnal Green, the question of fly nuisance assumed
prominence in the summer months. We instructed the Medical Officer to report generally on this
subject, and a report prepared by Dr. Hamer dealing with nuisance from flies is appended. (See
Appendix II.)
Common lodging houses.—A number of particulars are supplied under this head in the Medical
officer's report and the result of enquiry as to the occupation of 2,900 common lodging house inmates
is given. The report also refers to a census of " homeless persons " taken on the night of the 8th
February, 1907 (see Appendix III).
Seamen's lodging houses.—Communications have passed between the Council and the Board of
Trade as to the desirability of an Order being issued rendering obligatory the annual licensing of
seamen's lodging houses.
Houses let in lodgings.—Information is given concerning the operation of by-laws relating to
houses let in lodgings and a tabular statement with regard to the action taken in this connection
by the several sanitary authorities during the year appears on page 68.
Inspection of food.—The report gives account of the action taken in London with reference to
food inspection.
Education (Administrative Provisions) Act, 1907.—Reference is made in the report to this Act,
which provides for the medical inspection of school children and for the remedial treatment of school
children suffering from ill-health. This Act marks a large advance in public health legislation
inasmuch as it gives opportunity for bringing within the scope of the administration of public health
authorities matters concerning the personal hygiene of the greater part of the juvenile population.
County Hall, John Davies,
Spring Gardens, S.W. Chairman.
22nd December, 1908.