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14
It has been stated that, at their worst, underground tenements
in London are the most insanitary form of dwellings to be found
in the Metropolis. The worst type, that is to say, those where
artificial light in the day-time is continuously necessary and where
there is also dampness and lack of ventilation are not known to
exist in this Borough, but there are a considerable number of underground
dwellings which are illegally occupied as they come within
the definitions of the sections relating to underground rooms in the
Regulations and Housing Acts and these dwellings are undoubtedly
unhealthy to a varying extent. In bad cases notices are served
and enforced. The sanitary inspectors are engaged in preparing
a complete schedule of these dwellings which will be kept on the
card index system for future use.
The entire cost of the Public Health service in the Borough,
including all staff and the maintenance of the Tuberculosis
Dispensaries, the Welfare Centres, Disinfecting Station, Isolation
Shelters and Mortuary, and all forms of assistance under the
Tuberculosis and Maternity and Child Welfare schemes is estimated
during the coming financial year to amount to a rate of 6.4 pence.
This includes the expenditure required by the expansion of the
Maternity and Child Welfare service. No allowance is made in
this figure for the Ministry's contribution in the General Exchequer
Grant for Maternity and Child Welfare and Tuberculosis
Dispensary services.
In conclusion, I have to thank the Public Health and Maternity
and Child Welfare Committees for their support and kind consideration,
and I also express my appreciation of the manner in which
my staff have performed their duties.
I am.
Yours obediently,
G. H. DART,
Medical Officer of Health.