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83
HOUSING.
In anticipation of the requirements, a special form was drawn up for use by the Inspectors—
known in the Department as "Form R.I.E. (T.H.)"—-embodying all the points (and others) set
out under (iii.). The forms are designed for binding, and they provide for the necessary
referencing and cross-referencing to the Journals, Complaint Book, Notices, &c.
At the beginning of last year house-to-house inspection was commenced, on the advice
of the Medical Officer of Health, in—
Carlton Mews, Great Western Road, Elnathan Mews, and
Carlton Mews, Maida Vale, Richmond Mews.
Chippenham Mews,
The inspections had been completed in Carlton Mews, Great Western Road, and Richmond
Mews by the end of the year, but in the others several premises remained to be inspected at
that date.
In addition to the above, special inspections were made for the purposes of the Acts of the
following premises :—
Bristol Mews, Nos. 14 and 15. Leinster Street, No. 3.
Burwood Mews, No. 18. Oliver Mews (the whole Mews).
Canterbury Road, No. 165a. Rodborough Mews, Nos. 7 and 10.
Cellbridge Mews, Nos. 6 and 9. Shelden Street, No. 19.
Cirencester Street, Nos. 20-30 (even). Shirland Mews, Nos. 1, 8, and 17.
Clarendon Street, Nos. 31, 35, 36, 38, 63. Shirland Road, Nos. 171-183 (odd).
Desborough Street, No. 19 St. John's Terrace, No. 3.
Elms Mews, No. 6. Woodfield Crescent, No. 11.
Falconer Mews, No. 1.
The total number of premises inspected for the purposes of the Acts was 154, and in
the majority of instances the conditions found were remediable under the Public Health
(London) Act, 1891. The necessary notices were served, and the required works carried out. In
the cases of the following houses, Closing Orders were made by the Council under Sec. 17,
with the results as set out.
63, Clarendon Street—Closing Order made February 7th, 1911; Appeal lodged but abandoned ;
work done (indifferently well); Order determined May 16th, 1911.
34, 36 and 38, Clarendon Street—Closing Orders made April 4th, 1911; no Appeal lodged;
property changed hands ; work done (fairly) ; Orders determined October 3rd, 1911.
17, Desborough Street—Closing Order made December 19th, 1911; Appeal lodged, but
abandoned; work put in hand but not completed at end of the year.*
No. 165a, Canterbury Road, and No. 6, Elms Mews, were abandoned as dwelling-houses.
In these cases the owners were informed that the premises would be reported as unfit for
habitation ; that, if Closing Orders were made, they would be obliged to place the premises in a
condition fit for habitation ; and that if they failed to do so the premises would be demolished.
The owners preferred to voluntarily close the premises rather than incur expense.
It is to be desired that it should be possible to avoid demolition of buildings after closure
when they are not put in a condition fit for habitation. The Local Government Board of
Scotland has ruled that any premises closed under Sec. 17 of the Act, which are not rendered
fit for habitation, can be used for any purpose except human habitation, t
Regulations for underground rooms have not yet been made by the Council, but the Medical
Officer of Health has been instructed to draft a series. The following underground rooms were
" closed " during the year under Sec. 96 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891—
19, Shelden Street; 22, Cambridge Place; 235, Maida Vale; 21, 23, 71, 80 and 83, Cirencester
Street, and 76, Harrow Road.
* Determination of the Order was refused by the Council on May 21st, 1912.
t Letter of the Board dated January 12th, 1912—published in The Sanitary Record, February 16th, 1912.