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21
Houses-let-in-Lodgings Byelaws.
These Byelaws were revised in 1936, coming into operation
on the 1st April that year and repealing those made in 1931.
The new Byelaws differ from those previously made in that they
contain a Clause which brings within their scope those owneroccupied
houses which are sublet to one family only of more
than two persons. The general provisions of the Byelaws now
apply to such houses with the exception of those relating to
closet accommodation. The number of sublet six-roomed
dwelling houses in this district is so considerable that no attempt
has. been made, with the existing staff, to inspect and register
them.
A large amount of time was expended, however, in the
inspection of certain Houses-let-in-Lodgings, which came
within the normal scope of the Byelaws and, although the net
results were not in any way commensurate with the efforts
expended, it is felt they were justified.
In actual fact, in only 7 instances were additional requirements
obtained, these being the provision of additional closet
accommodation, washing coppers, food stores and sink and water
supplies, separate and readily accessible for the use of each
family. These requirements were provided following the
service of informal notices. In 30 cases, the informal notices
were amended with the consent of the Council, following
objections from owners.
From an administrative point of view, it is unfortunate that
the Byelaws do not lay down definite requirements as to separate
accommodation for every part of a house-let-in-lodgings occupied
as a separate dwelling, the operation of the Byelaws resting on
the proof of the necessity for such; this is always a matter of
opinion, and although easy to perceive difficult to prove.
Factories and Workshop Acts.
Twenty-eight visits were paid to Factories and Workshops;
this number is small, due to pressure of work in other directions.
No case of infectious disease occurred at outworkers' premises
during the year.
Three notices were received from H.M. Inspector of Factories
and related to (1) overcrowding of Workroom, (2) lack of
sufficient sanitary accommodation and (3) limewashing overdue
and no record of statutory cleansing. After the service of
informal notices, all nuisances were abated.