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46
Means of escape in cave of fire
The Housing Act, 1961 (section 16), contains provisions for the regulation
of means of escape in case of fire in houses in multiple occupation,
and requires a borough council to consult the London County Council
as fire authority before issuing any notices specifying the execution of
works to provide means of escape.
In December, 1962, the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint
Committee advised that arrangements for the administration of section 16
of the Act should be made individually by constituent councils with the
County Council, on the understanding that the County Council would
approve a code for use in connection with means of escape procedure,
together with a simple drill for consultation by constituent councils.
This procedure has been adopted in Westminster and is working
satisfactorily.
Progress
By the end of 1962, the public health inspectors had completed a
routine house-to-house survey of 115 premises in the Pimlico area of
the City. Of these 115 premises, 40 were found to be in single-family
occupation and a further 6 were vacant. The remaining 69 premises
(comprising 289 dwellings) were in multiple occupation.
Schedules of the works required were sent to the owners of 31
premises that had been fully inspected; schedules in respect of the remaining
premises were held up pending the finalising of the means of escape
from fire procedure mentioned above.
The formidable task of surveying all houses let in lodgings, or occupied
by members of more than one family, is not likely to be completed
quickly; speedy results cannot be achieved as much time is having to be
spent on gaining access to all httings, in order to complete the detailed
inspections involved.
Public Health (London) Act, 1936
London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1955
No. 6, Stanley Place, S. W.I
Owing to the failure of the owner to comply with a statutory notice
which had been served, requiring works to be carried out immediately
to remedy certain defective conditions at these premises, the works were
executed by the City Council at a cost of £331 12s. 3d. The expenditure
was recovered from the owner.