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23
Certificates of Disrepair
For the second consecutive year no applications were received for certificates under the provisions
of the Rent Act 1957. These provisions have been re-enacted in the Rent Act 1968. A copy of
the return required by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government is shown in Table 16, page 86.
Slum Clearance
During the year the compulsory purchase orders made by the Council in connection with the
following areas were confirmed by the Minister of Housing and Local Government:—
Ashmill Street/Broadley Street (confirmed 20.8.1968).
Herries Street (North) (confirmed with modification 11.12.1968).
St. Anne's Court/Richmond Buildings (confirmed 13.6.1968).
The clearance order made on St. Anne's Buildings, St. Anne's Court was also confirmed on
13th June, 1968.
The compulsory purchase order relating to the Herries Street (South) area was the subject of a
Public Inquiry on 19th November, 1968 and the decision of the Minister is awaited.
Loans, Grants and Subsidies
During the year, 80 (105) applications for loans and 46 (92) applications for grants were
referred to the Health Department for inspection and comment.
Comments were also requested and given on 55 applications under the Housing Subsidies
Act 1967.
Common Lodging Houses
There are two common lodging houses in the City. One, accommodating 550 men is kept by
the Salvation Army at 18 Great Peter Street, S.W.1, whilst another for 706 men is run by Westminster
City Council Welfare Department at Bruce House, Kemble Street, W.C.2.
Regular inspections of these premises are made by the public health inspectors, particular
attention being given to fire precautions, number of lodgers accommodated, sanitary and washing
facilities, and to general compliance with the Bye-law requirements. Both common lodging houses
were well managed and maintained throughout 1968.
Facilities are provided at Bruce House for the disinfestation of any residents who require this
service, together with a doctor's room in which local general practitioners can see their patients.
Arrangements also exist for regular visits to this lodging house by the Council's social workers.
Local Land Charges
The number of formal enquiries dealt with during 1968 was 8,622 (7,783).
Radioactive Substances Act 1960
Persons who keep or use radioactive materials are, unless exempted, required to register with the
Ministry of Housing and Local Government and obtain authorisation for the accumulation and
disposal of radioactive waste.
Copies of certificates of registration, authorisation and supplementary provisions, the cancellation
or variation of certificates issued by the Minister in respect of users in the City, are received and
recorded. Appropriate action is taken in respect of any special precautions so far as they relate to
the Department in connection with the conditions specified in the certificates.
Rodent Control
A staff of eight rodent operatives under the supervision of the Pest Control Officer is based on
two centres, namely, 313/319 Harrow Road for the northern half of the City, and at Brydges Place,
Covent Garden, for the southern half of the City.
Primary and follow-up visits are made without charge in respect of complaints of rat and mouse
infestation in domestic and business premises and a free disinfestation service is provided for
domestic premises. Short-term treatment only is undertaken at business premises and for this
a charge is made. Where treatment necessitates regular attention on a long-term basis, business
firms are advised to employ a commercial pest control organisation.