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to be so let or occupied if it possess "certain" requisites," viz.,
(1) An area of specified dimensions, etc. (2) An open fire-place
with proper flue, and (3) a window of specified size made to
open. The section further enacts that "no such room
not so let or occupied as aforesaid, at or before the time of the
passing of the Act, shall be so let or occupied unless it possess"
certain " requisites," viz. (1) Unless the room be at least seven
feet in height; (2) Unless the ceiling be at least one foot above
the surface of the footway of the nearest adjoining street; (3)
Unless there be an open area; (4) Unless the area be effectually
drained; (5) Unless there be appurtenant to the room the use of a
water closet and an ash-pit; (6) Unless there be a fire-place with
proper chimney or flue; and (7) Unless there be an opening
window of certain specified dimensions There is a proviso that
there may be steps, necessary for access to the room; and steps
over or across the area for access to any building above the room, if
the said steps be so placed as not to be over or across the window.
The penalty to which anyone letting or occupying an underground
room contrary to the Act is liable, is a sum not exceeding 20s.
per diem. Every room in which any person passes the night is
deemed to be occupied as a dwelling within the meaning of the
Act. It is the duty of the District Surveyor to " report, periodically
and otherwise," as the London County Council may order,
to the said Council, all cases in which rooms are occupied contrary
to the Act in his district ; and also to the Vestries and District
Boards in respect of cases in his district within their respective
parishes and districts. Any person, moreover, may enforce the
enactment and take proceedings for penalties thereunder. The
reports of underground rooms were forwarded to your Vestry by
the District Surveyors with more or less regularity every half-year,
down to the time when the Metropolitan Board ceased to exist,
but no action was taken upon them either by the Board or by your
Vestry or by any person. I alluded to this fact in a Special
Report (13th March, 1885), referred to at page 104. The Law
and Parliamentary Committee in their report dealing with the
subject, which was adopted by your Vestry in January, 1886,