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17
particular case had been fully dealt with, which in some cases
where work was required, extended to several months and that
the possibility of detailed analysis at a later date was only
being achieved at the expense of considerable lessening of the
day-to-day control of the work of the Department. The methods
of recording were therefore changed somewhat during the year and
now incorporate many of the advantages of the punch card system
without its disadvantages.
It will be seen that whilst the number of complaints
fell from 1,631 in 1957 to 1550 in 1958 the number of intimation
notices and statutory notices increased by 9 per cent. and 20
per cent. respectively, although it is very satisfactory to
report that in the cases of complaints on housing it was necessary
to resort to legal proceedings in only one case.
The figures given for overcrowding have in past years
tended to be unrealistic. The Department is notified of cases
rehoused by the Borough Council or the London County Council
from overcrowded conditions, but no information is obtained
concerning those who are rehoused by other local authorities or
make their own arrangements.
As the majority of cases of overcrowding come to light
by reason of applications for rehousing it had been felt that
revisits merely for the purpose of confirming that conditions
had not changed might well arouse false hopes. During 1958,
however, all the persons who were on the register as living in
overcrowded conditions were visited and it was possible to
remove over 1000 names from the list. The figure given for
1958 of 178 is probably reasonably accurate although it will be
appreciated that there are changes from day to day.
Inspections for particular or special purposes are
set out in some detail in the summary and call for no special
comment.
BARBERS AND HAIRDRESSERS
Barbel's and Hairdressers premises are registered under
the model Byelaws made by the Council under Section 18, London
County Council (General Powers) Act, 1954.
Twelve registered premises were visited and in no
instance was it found necessary to serve written notice, such
minor defects as were found being dealt with on the Inspector's
verbal request.