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by public health law, all hough it might appear to exist as seen through the
eyes of an amateur. So also with the statements as to disease associated
with housing conditions. It was apparent that tenants' complaints were
accepted as facts to be soberly recorded and published. None was
confirmed from the health records in the department.
An indication of the work which the investigation of the statements
in the Survey Report entailed may be gauged by the 106 special inspections
which were necessary for the purpose of the Medical Officer of
Health's report on the matter.
Houses Let in Lodgings.—In the Annual Report for 1926 reference
was made to the forming of a fresh register of houses let in lodgings
rendered necessary by the coming into force of the by-laws made by the
London County Council which contain many new provisions. The
number of houses on the new register at the end of 1927 was 155. During
the year 1,278 visits of inspection were paid to houses of this class and
in 104 instances infringements of the byelaws were reported, appropriate
action being taken in each case.
Four tenants were prosecuted for failing to furnish the Council with
a statement of particulars required for the purpose of registration. In one
case a fine of 1s. and £1 1s. costs was imposed, two cases were withdrawn
on payment of £1 Is. costs, and one was not proceeded with owing to the
death of the person concerned.
Vnderground Bedrooms.—The use of underground rooms as sleeping
rooms contrary to the regulations made by the Council under the Housing,
Town Planning, &c., Act, 1909, which have effect as if made under the
Housing Act, 1925, was brought to the notice of the sanitary authority
in 31 instances. Notices were served upon the owners and occupiers
of the premises concerned and in 27 cases the use of the rooms as bedrooms
was discontinued. In 19 of those cases compliance with legal
requirements was obtained by means of an alteration in domestic arrangements
; rooms which were in use as living rooms or kitchens and which
complied with the regulations of the Council being converted to use as
bedrooms and vice versa. In the eight remaining cases the basements
were considered to be unsuitable for use as separate dwellings, and on the
recommendation of the Medical Officer of Health, six of the tenants
concerned were rehoused in dwellings of the City Council or of the London
County Council. In the other two cases the tenants themselves found
alternative accommodation.
Restriction of Rent Acts.—Two applications were received for
certificates under these Acts, and both were granted.
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