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was absence of proper light and ventilation to a number of the rooms, the
greater part of the staircase, and some of the landings, sinks and dustbins.
The premises were inspected by the Committee on two occasions, and on
the recommendation of the Committee, the Council, in accordance with
Section 17 (2) of the Act, made a "Closing Order" prohibiting the use of the
dwelling house for human habitation until in the judgment of the Council the
dwelling house is rendered fit for that purpose.
The premises are jointly owned, and one of the owners appeared on two
occasions before the Committee and after making various proposals finally
submitted plans and specification which included the demolition of the four
upper stories of the back addition. This demolition and works required are
now in progress. It was not necessary to serve "Closing Orders" on the
tenants.
Underground Rooms habitually used as Sleeping Places.
In accordance with Sub-Section 7 of the same Section (17) of the Act,
"A room habitually used as a sleeping place, the surface of the floor of which
"is more than three feet below the surface of the part of the street adjoining
"or nearest to the room, shall for the purpose of this section be deemed to be
''a dwelling house so dangerous or injurious to health as to be unfit for human
"habitation, if the room either—
(a.) is not on an average at least seven feet in height from floor to
ceiling; or
(b.) "Does not comply with such regulations as the Local
"Authority with the consent of the Local Government Board may
"prescribe for securing the proper ventilation and lighting of such
"rooms, and the protection thereof against dampness, effluvia, or ex"halation:
Provided that if the Local Authority, after being required
"to do so by the Local Government Board, fail to make such regula"tions,
or such regulations as the Board approve, the Board may
"themselves make them, and the regulations so made shall have effect
"as if they had been made by the Local Authority with the consent
"of the Board.
''Provided that a Closing Order made in respect of a room to which this
''sub-section applies shall not prevent the room being used for purposes
''other than those of a sleeping place; and that, if the occupier of the room
"after notice of an order has been served upon him fails to comply with the
"order, an order to comply therewith may, on summary conviction, be made
"against him. A Closing Order made in respect of any room to which this