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28 housing.
of whom 436 (212 males, females 224) were patients; Hospitals, 4, total population 703 persons, of
whom 494 (males 172, females 322) were patients; and "Convalescent and Nursing Homes," 10,
with a total population of 154 persons of whom 55 (males 10, females 45) were patients.
Canal Boats.—Twenty-seven boats were within the Borough on the night of the census, the
population enumerated thereon amounting to 93 persons, males 45 and females 48.
Estimated Deficiency in Total Population.—The Rate Books for the quarter ended June 30th,
1921, showed 454 "empties." According to the Report of the Census (June 19th/20th) there were
938 Structurally Separate Dwellings (normally occupied by private families) "vacant" on the night
of the census, and 153 others occupied by caretakers, making a total of 1,091 homes from which
either no schedules were received or the schedules received showed numbers of occupants which may
reasonably be presumed to have been below the normal for the homes.
From calculations which have been made it is estimated that the 454 "empties" represent
360 "buildings with dwellings," of which 269 would be, if let, occupied by private families. Proceeding
by stages which need not be given here, it has been estimated that it is probable that the
occupants of 798 dwellings were absent from home on the night of the census. The 5,400 (possibly
more) persons normally living in those 798 dwellings were in all probability enumerated elsewhere.
The conclusion which appears to be permissible is that the enumerated population was at least some
4 per cent, too low.
Conversions.—The conversion of No. 8, Warrington Crescent, into six flats was completed
early in the year. That house and No. 30, Westbourne Square (converted into four flats in 1920)
are the only premises which have been acquired by the Council under the powers conferred upon them
by the Housing Acts.
Through the deposit of plans in connection with alterations to sanitary fittings, etc., 46 conversions
by private enterprise came to the knowledge of the Department, as compared with 39 in 1921
and 77 in 1920. The premises dealt with last year were converted into some 139 flats. It is more
than probable that a number of other conversions were also carried out, which, not involving interference
with existing sanitary arrangements, did not come to the knowledge of the Department.
Compulsory Repairs.—In view of the difficulty in ascertaining the interpretation of the law,
no attempt was made last year to enforce the provisions of Section 28 of the Housing, Town Planning,
etc., Act, 1919, beyond the service of notices with respect to two houses. Notices had been served
for both houses two years previously, but in one case the owner had died without leaving any legal
heir, and in the other the continued neglect of the premises had so added to the number of defects
that a fresh notice was deemed necessary. The freeholder of the first-mentioned house acquired
possession under Section 30 of the Act of 1919, and executed the works required by the notice ; the
owner of the other house failed to carry out the requirements, and the work was put in hand by the
Council towards the close of the year. Repairs at 45 other houses, which were outstanding at the
end of 1921, were completed during the year by the owners.
On a demand for payment of expenses incurred in respect of No. 233 Portnall Road being served
upon the owner by the Council under Sub-sec. 3 of Sec. 28 of the Act of 1919, an Appeal was lodged
by the owner with the Minister of Health. The Minister being of opinion that no such appeal was
provided by the Section, refused to hear the case. The owner applied for and obtained a Mandamus
calling on the Minister to hear the Appeal.* A Public Inquiry was held on May 22nd and the Minister
made an Order (dated August 1st) requiring the Appellant to pay the sum of £129 13s. Od. in lieu
of the sum of £134 15s. l0d. demanded.
Appeals by the same owner against demands made with respect to two other houses formed the
subject of a Public Inquiry held on December 14th, 15th and 16th. Arising out of this Inquiry a Case
on various points of law has been stated by the Minister of Health. Up to the time of writing the case
had not been decided.
Houses Unfit for Habitation.—No action was taken under Section 17 (1) of the 1909 Act
during the year, for the reason that the prevailing shortage of houses makes it impossible for other
accommodation to be found by persons occupying premises for which Closing Orders have been
made.
Underground Rooms.—Last year no action was taken under Section 17 (7) of the 1909 Act,
but notices under Section 96 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, were served with respect to
two houses where the conditions were especially bad. After considerable delay the rooms were vacated.
In one instance it was necessary to issue a summons, the defendant, after several adjournments of
the case, being fined £7 8s. 0d.
Tenement Houses.—The number of houses on the Register at end of 1922 was 1,404. During
1922, 6,507 inspections were made for all purposes, including Annual Cleansing. A summary of the
defects, etc., discovered and remedied is given in Table XVIII. The number of dirty rooms dealt with
last year (1,638) was almost exactly half that recorded in 1921 (3,275). On the other hand, the figure
*This was the case of Rex v. Minister of Health (ex parte Rush). 86 J.P. (Cases) 51 ; (1922) 2 K.B. 281.