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56
The Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, Schedule VI., provides that—
"Every place in a ship occupied by seamen or apprentices, and
"appropriated to their use, shall be such as to make the space which is
"required by the second part of this Act to contain proper and available
"accommodation of the men who are to occupy it, and shall be securely
"constructed, properly lighted and ventilated, properly protected from
"weather and sea, and as far as practicable properly shut off and protected
"from effluvium which may be caused by cargo or bilge water."
If boats not complying with this regulation were erased from the register
they would automatically come within the scope of the Canal Boats Acts and
Regulations.
This, and the better control given by the Canal Boats Acts in the matter of
occupation by both sexes, would conduce to a great improvement in the
sanitary and moral condition of the inhabitants of sailing barges.
I append a Table giving details of inspections for the year ending 31st
December, 1901.
In submitting my first Half-yearly Report, I take this opportunity of
thanking your Worshipful Committee for the kind and courteous attention
you have paid to my various suggestions, and also to express my appreciation
of the loyalty and excellence of the work done generally by your Inspectors
and other Officers.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
{Signed) HERBERT WILLIAMS,
Medical Officer of Health, Port of London.