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been trying to bring about, viz., an uniform code of regulations, for
houses let in lodgings, for the whole Metropolis. The subject (2)
" further and better accommodation for the working classes," is
fully treated under headings dealing with (a) re-housing of
persons displaced by clearances and improvements; (b) provision
to meet the increase of the population, which involves the question
of increased railway travelling facilities; and (c) the better
housing of the poorest classes, including those who use common
lodging-houses—matters with which the local sanitary authorities
have no power to deal, but in regard to which the Committee make
recommendations; the sub-section (c) being referred to under the
headings : (i.) unfurnished tenements of an inferior description
and small cottage dwellings; (ii.) furnished tenements or
lodgings; and (in.) common lodging-houses. Suggestions are
made indicating, inter alia, approval of the " ticketing" system, in
relation to the lowest class of lodging-houses, in vogue at Glasgow;
but the only practical recommendation made is that already
referred to, for the erection of a model common lodging-house
in St. Giles's district. The information with respect to the
municipal common lodging-houses at Glasgow, obtained by the
Committee during their visit, is at once full, interesting, and
encouraging to the experiment now about to be tried, and which,
in my last annual report (page 132), I ventured to advocate.
The Labouring Classes Lodging-Houses Acts combined with
Cross's Acts and worked together, will enable the Council to give a
fair trial to the system, which seems to me to afford the best
prospect of bringing about a practical solution of the difficult
questions dealt with in the able report of the Committee.
Lord Shaftesbury's Acts.—The County Council, upon the
recommendation of the Housing of the Working Classes Committee,
decided, in March last, to adopt for the County of London
the Labouring Classes Lodging Houses Acts, 1851 to 1885, and
application was in due course made to the Home Secretary for
his approval of the course taken. On the 21st March, the Home
Secretary signified his formal approval of the adoption by the