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-section is that it has no effect on any underground room, however bad, if the
room is let with another room which is not underground within the meaning
of the section.
A large number of underground rooms have been closed for sleeping purposes
in the past under this section, though, in many cases, the owners have
circumvented the Act by letting another room with the unhealthy underground
rooms, which have therefore continued to be used as sleeping places.
Section 17 (7) of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909, has given
further power in this direction, and states that any underground room is unfit
for use as a sleeping place unless, (a) it is at least seven feet in height from
floor to ceiling, and (b) it complies with regulations that the local authority
may make. Regulations were made by the St. Pancras Borough Council
under this section, and were approved by the Local Government Board on 2nd
April, 1913. These were set out in full in the Annual Report for 1912 (p.
103).
The 1909 Act and Regulations are an improvement on the 1891 Act in that
no underground room may be used for sleeping purposes unless it conforms to
certain standards, and irrespective of whether it is let separately as a dwelling;
but it is to be noted that they do not prevent any underground room, however
bad, from being used as a living room as long as it is not slept in. There are
many underground rooms in the Borough which ought not to be used at all
for living purposes.
The procedure provided by Section 17 (7) for underground rooms is somewhat
cumbrous, and before any pressure can be brought to bear a closing order
has to be made. The method which has been adopted in St. Pancras since
September, 1913, when tie section was first put in operation is as follows:—
The Sanitary Inspector reports to the Medical Officer of Health any
underground room which appears to be illegally occupied, full details and
measurements being supplied to the latter on a special form.
If the room is not in conformity with Section 17 (7), a printed letter is sent
to the owner and occupier respectively informing him of the fact, and asking
him to see that the use of the room for sleeping purposes is discontinued.
If after a delay of two months the room is found to be still used for
sleeping purposes the case is reported to the Public Health Committee for the
purpose of making a closing order.
After the closing order has been made the provisions of the Act are allowed
to take their course.
During 1913 18 notices were issued for the closing of underground dwellings
under the Public Health (London) Act, 1891. There were no prosecutions
under this section. Other underground rooms were closed for living
purposes on account of general defects, such as dampness.
From September to the end of the year letters were sent in respect of 106
underground rooms (in 90 houses) which did not comply Avith Sec. (17) 7 of
the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, and the Regulations made thereunder.
One closing order only was made under Sec. 17 (7) during the year. (Front
basement room of 20, Euston Street).