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31
A census of homeless persons in London was taken on the night of Friday.
17th February, 1928. The area covered extended over the whole of the county,
except such of the outlying portions as are not usually the resort of such persons.
The night was fine. No persons were found sheltering under arches or on staircases.
In the streets 61 males and 17 females were found, as compared with 68 males and
28 females in 1927, and 296 males and 76 females in 1914, on the occasion of previous
censuses. In the common lodging-houses, 14,738 persons were accommodated as
compared with 14,724 in 1927, and 20,173 in 1914, before the war. In the free
shelters and labour homes not licensed, 735 males, 103 females and 25 children were
accommodated as compared with 646 males, 134 females and 22 children in 1927.
The number of persons in casual wards and in the Metropolitan Asylums Board
hostel on the night in question was 835 (821 males and 14 females), the largest
number recorded at any census since 1912. At London Rowton Houses, 5,047
men were accommodated and there were no vacant beds.
Census of
homeless
persons.
Under section 37 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1907, the
medical officer or any person provided with his authority (in writing) may examine
the person or clothing of any inmate of a common lodging-house where they have
reason to suspect that such person or clothing is verminous or in a foul and filthy
condition. There are no figures available as to the actual number of lodgers cleansed,
but a considerable improvement has been noted with regard to verminous conditions
in such houses.
Verminous
lodgers in
common
lodging
houses.
A survey of the public conveniences for men and women within the county
was made during the year. The sanitary condition, the number, their distribution
and adequacy, and the hours during which they are available were the main points
of observation.
Public
conveniences
Returns were obtained from the councils of the several metropolitan boroughs,
as well as the Corporation of the City of London, of the public conveniences under
their control. Similar information was received from the Parks Department and
the Department of the Chief Engineer. Enquiry was also made of the various
Clerks to the Justices respecting urinals accessible to the public provided by publichouses
and beer-houses. Over 6,000 visits were made by the inspectorate of this
department in connection with these returns. Particulars were also obtained
as to the provision of sanitary conveniences in certain capital cities on the
continent.
Perhaps the most outstanding defect at present existing in London is the
inadequacy of the free provision for women. The influx of women into the
Metropolis in recent years has created a situation which calls for improvement.
Generally speaking, however, the inquiry showed that the standard of excellence
in sanitary attainment in London has nowhere been surpassed. The report,
giving details of the investigation, may be obtained from the Council's
publishers.*
During tne year, representations nave been made in respect ot tne areas Known
as Teale-street, Bethnal Green, and West Ferry-road, Poplar. A representation was
also made by the borough medical officer of health of Southwark, but on consultation
with the Council's officers it was deemed desirable that the represented area should
be enlarged and final details were not decided upon during the year.
Housing
Acts, etc.
The rapid growth of the population housed on the Becontree Estate has created
a need for adequate hospital accommodation in the area. As a result of the representations
made the Trustees of King Edward's Hospital Fund agreed to make a
first contribution of £10,000 towards the capital cost of a new voluntary general
hospital provided that an equal amount was subscribed from other sources, and that
the details of the scheme were satisfactory. Under Section 107 of the Housing
Act, 1925, the Council, with the consent of the Minister of Health, has agreed to
Becontree
estate.
Hospital
accommodation.
Public Conveniences in London. *No. 2613. Price 6d.
16479 c 2