Hygiene was of increasing importance to the late Victorians as cities grew in population and needed extensive sewerage systems.
In 1886 the Financial News printed allegations that officials of the board had conspired with some members to make personal profits from the sale of surplus land.
That November, Judge obtained a seat on Paddington Vestry and established the grandly-titled "Metropolitan Board of Works Enquiry Committee" which looked into allegations of corruption.
Although the Financial News allegations were predominantly upheld (and more corruption was uncovered), the Commission stated that the vast majority of members of the Board were entirely above suspicion.
Judge was audibly dissatisfied with the conclusion; he had moved at the Board (16 November 1888) for a special committee to consider prosecutions of corrupt officers and members, but failed to find a seconder.
However, the question of reform of the Board had become moot by the announcement as the Royal Commission was beginning its hearing that it would be abolished and replaced by an elected London County Council.