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45
let in such a manner as to cause overcrowding in future. To
ensure that these instructions are carried out, periodical visits are
paid to the premises by the District Sanitary Inspectors.
Underground Rooms.—Regulations in connection with underground
rooms were passed by the Council and approved by the
Ministry of Health on 26th September, 1933, and rooms of this
nature must comply with certain standards as regards ventilation
and lighting and also for protection against dampness, etc.
During 1934, five Closing Orders were made as regards basement
rooms used for sleeping purposes, viz., 105, Bridge Street;
33, Burney Street; 8, Nevada Street; 7, Crooms Hill; and 6, The
Circus. In the opinion of many Medical Officers, including myself,
underground rooms should be prohibited whether used for living or
sleeping purposes. There are many illegally occupied underground
rooms in the Borough, but for want of alternative accommodation,
little can be done at present.
Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Acts, 1920-33.—
Eight applications for certificates were made all of which were
granted and in six instances reports were subsequently issued to the
owner of the premises under Sec. 5 (2) of the 1923 Act on completion
of the necessary repairs.
Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions (Amendment) Act,.
1933.—Broadly the effect of this Act so far as London is concerned
is that premises of a rateable value of more than £45, shall be
decontrolled, those of rateable value between £20 and £45, are to
remain subject to present legislation and those at present controlled
having a rateable value of less than £20 are to remain controlled,
even though under past legislation the premises would have become
decontrolled when vacated.
The Act also provides that the Rent and Mortgage Interest
(Restriction) Acts shall continue for a period of 5 years and no
longer.