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recommendations were submitted to that authority on the grounds of serious illhealth,
such as tuberculosis, rheumatism, valvular heart disease, etc. It is not
possible to assess the degree of overcrowding existing in the Borough at the present
time owing to considerable changes in population since the housing survey of 1936.
During the year the following action was taken under the Housing Act, 1936.
Section 9 One Notice served.
Section 11 Four premises were represented.
Section 12 Thirty-nine flats in King Edward Buildings, as well
as the basement rooms in respect of four premises,
were represented.
Closing Orders Twenty-one flats in King Edward Buildings were
closed under Section 12 as unfit for human
habitation.

Public Health (London) Act, 1936.
Two premises were subjected to closing orders in accordance with the provisions
of paragraph 8 of the 5th schedule, until the premises are made fit for habitation.
Particular attention was paid to a certain area in the Borough comprising
139 properties which were the subject of numerous complaints and petitions. A
considerable amount of money was expended on this property by the various
owners, but the whole of the area is typical of most of the property in the Borough
which is old, worn out and, owing to lack of repairs during the war, as well as war
damage, in urgent need of repair in order to keep it in a reasonably fit condition.
Attention was also directed to a block of terraced houses in the Borough where
difficulty was experienced in serving the Notices upon the owner. Summonses were
taken out, but in turn, difficulty was experienced in serving these. The Magistrate
agreed to the issue of a warrant for the owner's arrest and eventually he was brought
to the court, the cases proved, and fines imposed totalling £399, and £6 6s. C03ts.
Abatement Orders were obtained in respect of the property involved and, at the end
of the year, the work necessary to comply with the requirements of the Notices was
well in hand on behalf of a Building Society which became responsible for this property
in default of the owner.
Requisitioned Property.
The supervision of repairs, reconstruction or replacement of drainage and
sanitary fitments has been maintained in properties which have been requisitioned by
the Council, with a view to ensuring where practicable, compliance with the Bye-laws,