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instances; this includes the provision of water on the upper floors of
tenement houses.
The County Council had inserted in the General Powers Act of
1907 a section dealing with the provision of water to the upper floors
of such houses. No difficulty had been experienced in Westminster in
the matter uucler Section 48 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891.
Almost every house-owner admits the reasonableness of the requirement
when it is explained. (See remarks under heading "Infant
Mortality."). The Health Visitors report that they have observed
great improvement in cleanliness following the introduction of better
water supply. Unfortunately no direct power was given to require the
provision of sinks.
Houses Let in Lodgings.
The demolition of property which continues, especially in St. John's
Ward, continues to reduce the number of houses on the register. At
the end of 1906 the number was 1,602, none were added in 1907, and
30 removed by closure, leaving 1,572 at the end of the year. 2,237
visits were paid. Overcrowding was found in 17 instances, and 293
other defects were remedied.
Proceedings were taken in respect of several registered houses for
failure to maintain w.c.'s in proper working order and supplied with
water (see list of "Legal Proceedings," ante p. 61).
Eevenue Act.
Certificates under this Act relieve the recipient from the payment
of Inhabited House Duty. Applications were received by me in 17
instances comprising 130 tenements.
Certificates were granted after inspection of the premises in 117
instances, refused in nine, and outstanding at the end of the year pending
structural alterations in four instances. The premises for which
certificates wei'e granted are :—
5, Bury Street. 121, Long Acre.
2, Chapter Street. 1, 2, 3 and 4, Regency Street.
18, Chapter Street. 40, Regency Street-
Catheclral Mansions, Yauxhall Bridge 29, St. James Street.
Road. Stafford Mansions, Stafford Place.
], Frederick Street. 83, 87 and 91, Victoria Street.
37, Hyde Place.
In addition, 62 certificates for premises for which application had
been made in 1906, but in which the alterations asked for to bring them
' O
up to the standard had not been carried out at the end of that year,
were granted. They were:—
Carey Mansions. Marshall Street Dwellings.
2, 15, 16, 30 and 31, Garden Street. Mercer Chambers.