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In my last two Quarterly Reports I brought the subject of certain
newly-constructed unhealthy dwellings under your notice, and expressed
my regret that, owing to defects in the law relating to
buildings intended for habitation, there is inadequate security for
healthy houses being built in the first instance. Indeed, 1 am strongly
of opinion that no recently erected house should be allowed to be
inhabited until certified by the Local Board to be fit for habitation,
upon inspection and report by the Medical Officer of Health and
Surveyor.
In order that all the houses which are let out in tenements
should be kept in a healthy condition, it will be necessary for
the Sanitary Inspectors to present at each meeting of the Board
a Report as to the general condition of such houses as may be
found overcrowded, and whether free from nuisance of every
kind. As the Local Board have an efficient staff of officers
under their jurisdiction, all matters, in my opinion, relating to the
health of the District, should be vested in these Boards, and they
should be the appointed authority for the superintendence of all
matters relating to the health of the District. Most important results
may be anticipated from the operation of the several Artizans' and
Labourers' Dwellings Acts, which have for their object not only the
clearing away of filthy slums in crowded districts, but the building
for the poorer classes of better and more healthy houses. I am
decidedly of opinion that a frequent and periodical inspection of
houses is required, in order that this desirable measure may be effectually
carried out.
In all tenemented houses, all the domestic conveniences should
be placed outside the building. This is a matter which can only be
dealt with by Act of Parliament.
The Bell Lane Scheme, in respect to which in the year 1877 I
made an official representation of its unhealthy condition, has recently
been considered by the Metropolitan Board of Works with a view to
its improvement; and it being deemed expedient that Mr. Wrack, the
Sanitary Inspector, should make a further Report to the Metropolitan
Board on the locality, he has presented to that Board the subjoined
Report.