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41
It is practically certain that a number of boats, registered many years ago, have
changed ownership, been registered with another authority or been broken up. It is under
the circumstances impossible to trace a number of registered boats or to know the exact
number of "live" certificates of registration.
One of the requisites for an inhabited canal boat is that it ordinarily used for the conveyance
of any foul or offensive cargo, it shall contain between the space occupied by such cargo
and the interior of any cabin used as a dwelling, two bulkheads of substantial construction,
separated by a space not less in any part than four inches, open throughout to the external air.
Such space must be furnished with a pump for the removal of any liquid and the bulkhead
next to the cargo is to be watertight.
It has not hitherto been considered in this Borough that house refuse comes within the
scope of the term "foul or offensive" cargo. Steps are now being taken, however, that
double bulkheads shall be fitted to all inhabited canal boats conveying house refuse, and the
owners of such boats are taking all necessary action to comply with this interpretation of the
Regulations.
During the year, 2 inhabited boats known to be conveying house refuse from Paddington
Basin, were fitted with double bulkheads. Six boats still remain to be dealt with. These
will be refitted as circumstances permit.
The annual cleansing at Paddington Basin was carried out during the Easter holidays.
About 729½ tons of mud were removed from the bed of the Basin, in addition to 622 tons
which were dredged previously.
HOUSING.
Conversions.—Section 102 of the Housing Act, 1925, and Section 84 of the Law of
Property Act, 1925, empower a County Court to vary the terms of a lease or other instrument
so as to enable a house to be converted into tenements, notwithstanding any restrictive
covenant there may be to the contrary. No applications under these Sections were made
during the year.
Plans continue to be submitted to the Council under the drainage bye-laws, relative to
the conversion of premises into tenements. It is probable that a number of other conversions
were carried out in which no interference with existing drainage was involved. Such conversions
would not come within the purview of the department.
Compulsory Repairs.—No notices were served under Section 17 of the Housing Act of
1930, but 93 communications were sent to owners drawing attention to defects liable to be
dealt with under this Section. These communications in most instances resulted in the
defects being remedied.
Unhealthy Areas.—No representations were made to the Council during 1932.
Houses Unfit for Habitation.—Two Closing Orders were made during the year with regard
to parts of premises (basement rooms) which were unfit for human habitation.
Underground Rooms.—No rooms were dealt with under the Council's Regulations
pursuant to Section 18 of the Housing Act, 1925, but action was taken under Section 96 of
the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, with respect to the illegal occupation of underground
rooms at three premises. In each instance the illegal occupation was discontinued.
Tenement Houses.—There were no additions to the Register, the total remaining the
same as at the close of the previous year, viz., 1,406. The inspections made by the two
Special Inspectors numbered 5,363. Particulars of the defects, etc., discovered and remedied
will be found on pages 43 and 44.
Overcrowding.—During 1932 six tenements in registered houses were reported to be
overcrowded. In five instances the overcrowding was abated. The occupants of the remaining
tenement were unable to find other accommodation before the close of the year.
Owing to existing social conditions only extreme cases of overcrowding are dealt with
by official action.
Annual Cleansing.—The usual practice with regard to the selection of special streets for
inspection was followed, a total of 675 houses being inspected during the year. Notices were
served for the cleansing and other work which was found to be necessary.
Common Lodging Houses.—There are 2 common lodging houses in Kilburn Lane and 1
(Cecil House) in Harrow Road.
During the year 7 deaths from various causes occurred among the occupants of these
houses.