Throughout the nineteenth century the health and hygiene of the nation became a problem that could no longer be ignored. Social reformer Edwin Chadwick began to investigate the issue of sanitation in the 1830s, and in 1842 published a report which reviewed the living conditions of the working-class population. He recommended that to improve the health of the poor the government should take steps to improve the drainage and sewage systems, remove refuse from house and streets and make accessible clean drinking water. These extracts are taken from debates which took place in the House of Commons Chamber and demonstrate the different views of MPs towards the Public Health Bill. The 1848 Public Health Act was an important step in the improvement of the nation's health and helped increase government and social consciousness about hygiene and living conditions.