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10
Rent Act, 1957
Details of the applications received and the certificates issued up to the end of the year are shown in
Table 31.
in 1955, the Council decided that when requisitioned premises were released under the Requisitioned
Houses and Housing (Amendment) Act, 1955, the difference between the standard rent and the rent being
paid by the licensee should continue to be paid by the Council.
in 1957 when the Rent Act came into operation it was decided that if the landlord increased the rent
under the Act, this increase would also be borne by the Council provided the property was in a satisfactory
state of repair. Public Health Inspectors inspect the p roperty and if it is in disrepair, Form G is prepared for
signature by the tenant and service on the landlord.
Each case is followed up and if the defects are not remedied and no undertaking is given on Form H,
an application for certificate of disrepair (Form I) is prepared and sent to the tenant for signature and return
to the department with 2s. 6d. (Table 32.)
Nuisances abated and improvements effected
A summary of nuisances abated and improvements effected is shown in Table 33.
Inspection of factories, outworkers premises and food premises
A summary of inspections of the above premises is shown in Table 34.
CLEAN AIR
The Clean Air Act, 1956, came into full operation on the 1st June, 1958. With certain temporary
exemptions the Act prohibits the emission of " dark smoke " from chimneys of all kinds and provides for
the establishment of smoke control areas.
The first smoke control area in Neasden has received approval from the Minister of Housing and
Local Government and will be in operation on the 1st June, 1959. It is 48.5 acres in extent and includes
618 domestic premises, 65 shops, one builder's office and store, and a bakehouse. Grants of from 70 to 100
per cent are made to householders when they have converted or adapted their fireplaces so that they burn
approved fuel without smoke. Survey work on the next proposed area, which adjoins that already being
dealt with, has been delayed because of shortage of staff.
The usual measurements of grit and sulphur have been made, and the results in the areas surrounding
the three power stations show improvement. (Tables 36 and 37.) The control of power stations was transferred
from the Local Authority to the Alkali Inspectorate on the 1st June, 1958, but the Public Health Inspectors
still supervise smoke and grit emission from them in co-operation with the local Alkali Inspector.
A meeting of industrialists with factories near the smoke control area in Neasden was held at the
Town Hall on the 26th November, and was well attended. 26 firms, the London Transport Executive, British
Railways, Neasden Power Station and Government Departments sent 38 representatives. His Worship the
Mayor was Chairman, and Alderman Piddington explained the Council's policy and intention in regard to
the Act in general and the Neasden area in particular. Questions and discussions followed. The British
Railways representatives volunteered some interesting information on the proposed changes for the engine sheds
at Cricklewood and for diesel locomotives to run through Neasden.
A clean air exhibition was staged at Neasden Special Training School at the end of the year. It
was very successful and about 400 people attended.
The Council is represented at an Inter-Borough Smoke Control Liaison Committee, which also
includes delegates from the Hammersmith, Fulham, Brentford & Chiswick, Acton, and Barnes Councils.
Meetings designed to co-ordinate smoke control area planning are regularly held at Hammersmith Town Hall.
BOMBED SITES
The Health Department continues to deal with nuisances such as rats or refuse on the few remaining
bombed sites in the borough.
DISINFESTATION
The Public Health Inspectors inspect verminous premises and supervise the work of disinfestors
employed by the Council (section 83 of the Public Health Act, 1936) (Table 38). There was a slight increase
in the work.
The Council provide transport for clothing and bedding requiring disinfection and disinfestation at
the Neasden Hospital (section 84 of the Public Health Act, 1936). The Council's attendant disinfects and'
disinfests rooms, and collects and delivers the clothing and bedding.