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41
With regard to the building of houses since tho year 1855, we believe that the
omission of the Metropolitan Board of Works to make byelaws as to house drainage
has conduced to the existing unwholesome condition of this branch of house
construction.
We are of opinion that the immediate sanitary requirements of the parish may
be summarised as follows :—
1. The re-organisation of the sanitary department, so that the work of the
sanitary inspectors is to a greater extent superintended or controlled by
the medical officer of health.
2. The appointment of additional sanitary inspectors, we believe that two
officers, in addition to those now engaged, is the minimum increase
which should be made.
3. The institution of a system of periodic house-to-house inspection
out the parish, especially in those parts occupied by the poorer people.
4. The adoption of regulations as to houses let in lodgings.
5. The exercise by the Vestry and Metropolitan Board of Works respectively
of the powers conferred by the Artizans and Labourers Dwellings Act,
1868-82, and the Metropolis Local Management Act and Buildings Acts
(Amendment) Act, 1882, for tho removal of structural conditions rendering
houses unfit for occupation.
6. Tho more complete exercise of the powers under the Nuisance Removal
Acts, 1855, &c., and the Metropolis Local Management Act, 1855, as to
cleanliness and wholesomeness of houses, water supply to waterclosets,
and the better paving of yards and courts.
7. The making of byelaws as to house drains and drain fittings under section
202 of the Metropolis Local Management Act.
We are fully aware that the work of raising Bethnal Green to a proper standard
as to healthiness is great and onerous, and that it will require sustained efforts
during a prolonged period for this purpose. The Vestry are, however, advised by
able and energetic officers, and are possessed of considerable power by the legislature
for the performance of their public health duties.
In the course of our inspection we have received every assistance from Mr.
Forrest and Mr. Hilditch, and our thanks are due to the Vestry for the use of the
Vestry Hall, and also to their officers, who supplied us with all the information
required.
We have, &c.
(Signed) D. CUBITT NICHOLS.
„ SHIRLEY F. MURPHY.
To the Secretary of State for the Home Department,
Home Office, Whitehall.
Having been present throughout the inquiry, we concur in the foregoing Report;
excepting that taking into consideration the assistance given to the sanitary
inspectors by other officers of the Vestry, we are of opinion that one additional
inspector, or three in all, would be sufficient to meet the requirements of the parish.
(Signed) CHRISTOPHER FORREST.
„ JAMES GEORGE HILDITCH.