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56
In computing the number of rooms in a house, for the purposes
of Table I, no regard shall be had to any room having a floor area
of less than 50 square feet .
In determining the number of persons sleeping in a house,
no account shall be taken of a child under one year old, and a child
who has attained one year and is under ten years old shall be
reckoned as one-half of a unit.
A dwelling-house is defined as any premises used as a separate
dwelling by members of the working-classes or of a type suitable
for such use.
Houses Let in Lodgings.
At the end of 1935 the number of houses let in lodgings entered
in the register was 249.
The recent appointment of four additional Sanitary Inspectors
will enable the Department to give more attention to this type
of dwelling-house in various parts of the Borough than has
been possible in the past and to add to the register premises
which come within the provisions of the L.C.C. By-laws with
respect to houses divided into separate tenements, etc.
Included in these by-laws are requirements for providing in
houses which are not subject to the provisions of the Rent and
Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Acts, adequate and readily
accessible closet accommodation ; washing accommodation ; and
accommodation for the storage, preparation and cooking of food
to each family.
Cleansing of Verminous Rooms.
It was necessary to serve 297 notices under Section 10 of the
London Comity Council General Powers Act, 1922, requiring the
cleansing of premises infested with vermin. The Disinfecting Staff
sprayed 1,260 rooms during the year with a special vermicidal
solution.
Disinfestation work is not usually carried out by the Officers of
the Council unless the walls are stripped and all woodwork in the
affected rooms is either eased or removed beforehand, so as to
ensure that the harbourages of the vermin are effectively attacked.
Arrangements are also made for the steam disinfection of all
bedding, the dismantling and thorough washing of bedsteads, and
the cleansing of all furniture, and occupiers are advised as to the
steps they themselves should take to prevent re-infestation of their
premises.
During the year the Council authorised the distribution from
the Public Health Department of sprayers and small containers
of a vermicidal solution at cost price to any inhabitant of the
Borough desirous of co-operating in the work of disinfestation.
During the short time that this scheme has been in operation
there is evidence that the facilities offered by the Council are much
appreciated.