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Under the Public Health Act, 1875, the Regulations
regarding cellar dwellings only apply if the cellar is let
separately; if it is let with rooms in any other part of the
house we cannot bring it under this Act, but the Housing
Act, 1925 gives additional powers, one of which is the making
of Regulations under Section 18. The matter was fully
reported to the Public Health Committee and, after discussion,
it was decided to make the necessary Regulations and
apply to the Ministry of Health for sanction. This has been
done and as soon as the Regulations have been approved,
action will immediately be taken with regard to the cases
already mentioned and any others which may come to the
notice of the Department.
Houses Let in Lodgings.—There are 67 of these houses on
the Register, and 52 visits of inspection were made during
the year, to ensure that the Bye-laws were being observed.
Verminous Rooms.—During the year 23 rooms have been
dealt with. As previously, the necessary notices were served
upon the persons responsible, whether occupier or owner.
Every assistance has been given to those who were anxious
to free their premises from vermin, and fumigants have been
supplied at cost price, or fumigation carried out by the
Department at the owner's expense, after the walls have
been stripped, as required.
Common Lodging Houses.—There is now only one registered
Common Lodging House, namely No. 42, Merton High
Street, for which an annual Certificate of Registration was
granted from 1st January. 1927 to 31st December, 1927. On
1st January, 1927, an annual Certificate of Registration was
granted in respect of No. 188, Merton High Street, but on
the 28th February, the premises were closed, having been
purchased for the purpose of an entirely different business.
The Certificate was accordingly cancelled on the 15th March.
Van Dwellings.—This matter is still continuing to receive
the attention of the Department and visits have been made
at irregular times, but the consent of the Ministry of Health
to the adoption of certain Clauses of the Public Health Act,
1925, authorising the Council to make Bye-laws has not yet
been given.
Dairies, Cowsheds and Milkshops.—Thirteen applications
were received during the year from persons desirous of being
registered under the Milk and Dairies (Consolidation) Act,
1915, the Milk and Dairies (Amendment) Act, 1922 and the
Milk and Dairies Order, 1926.
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