London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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St Giles (Camberwell) 1883

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Camberwell]

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118
these were framed by landlords in their own interests.
It is at any rate worthy of remark that the Vestry of
Camberwell, comprising among its members many
landlords of such property as is here dealt with,
have shown a juster appreciation of the duties of landlords
than the Local Government Board.
In conclusion, I cannot help remarking on the
feebleness which constantly spoils the best-intentioned
sanitary legislation, and which is conspicuous
in the enactments relating to houses let in lodgings.
The Local Government Board, acting under a special
section of the Sanitary Law Amendment Act of
1874, which enables them, at their discretion, by
notice published in the "London Gazette," to
declare the enactments contained in Section 35 of
the Sanitary Act, 1866, to be in force in any part
of the metropolis, have availed themselves of this
power in respect of our own and certain other
parishes. But this section gives them no definite
or useful power. They have declared that certain
enactments are in force, but they cannot compell the
Vestries to frame any regulations, they cannot
impose any regulations of their own; nor even can
they compel Vestries to carry out and enforce regulations
which the Vestries have framed and the Board
have sanctioned. Now, I am one of those who think