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44
As regards improving the clinics and the treatment of venereal diseases generally,
the following measures were suggested:—
(1) The provision of more suitable accommodation.
(2) Extension of hours and greater facilities for the intermediate treatment
of gonorrhoea.
(3) More in-patient beds.
(4) More hostels for women.
(5) Provision of more homes or hospital beds for children.
(6) Provision of trained social workers to be attached to the staff of the
clinic.
(7) Increased facilities for medical supervision of pregnant women, which
entails extending ante-natal clinics.
(8) Better instruction of midwives in venereal diseases.
The report concludes with the statement that the views and recommendationsrecorded
above have been based on the existing medical knowledge as to the prevention
and treatment of venereal diseases, and the Committee realise that certain
modifications might be called for in the light of important new knowledge, of which
there are indications.
The majority of the foregoing suggestions are already embodied in the Council's
scheme.
Housing of
transmigrants.
In 1919, at the conclusion of the war, the unsatistactory features associated
with the housing of transmigrants passing through London, on their way from the
continent to America prior to the war, were found to be repeating themselves in
an aggravated form. Large numbers—as many as 1,500 on a particular night—
were found occupying common lodging-houses, and cheap tenements in the poorer
parts of Whitechapel and St. George's in the East. In 1920 an additional place
for their accommodation was found in use in St. Pancras.
As a result of a conference at the Home Office on 16th June, 1920, the shipping
companies undertook to make proper provision for housing these passengers during
their stay in this country.
In 1921 negotiations were commenced by the companies to acquire a site in
Bethnal Green, but at the last moment the proposed arrangements fell through.
In the meantime another site had been found at Eastleigh, near Southampton,
whither it was decided to convey passengers by water, thus avoiding London.
During these negotiations the agent of one of the large shipping companies acquired
a large common lodging-house on the eastern boundary of the county, and suitably
adapted it. This house, which is of modern construction, had sleeping accommodation
for over 500 people. Some 47,000 people passed through the hostel.
For the past two years the home has been little used, and it is now closed, the
shipping companies having for various reasons ceased to bring their passengers to
London.
Housing
Acts.
Details of the progress made with the several represented insanitary areas
and the housing schemes undertaken by the Council will be published later in vol.
III of the Annual Report of the Council.
The table on p. 45 shows the houses in each borough in 1923 ; the number
repaired under Section 28 of the Housing Act of 1919 ; certain other particulars as
to conditions in 1923 ; and the action taken by the metropolitan borough councils
under the provisions of Section 17 of the Housing and Town Planning Act with
regard to the making of representations and closing orders—the figures for the
years 1911-14, 1915—19, and 1920-23 are included for comparison.