54. Mr. MURRAY MACDONALDasked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether he is aware that in Bolton Road, Kensington, there are a certain number of dilapidated houses which are inhabited under conditions contrary to Section 17 of the Housing and Town Planning Act of 1909, which forbids that rooms be occupied measuring less than seven feet from floor to ceiling; that the floor of some of these rooms is more than three feet below the surface, of the street adjoining; that there is no water to individual houses, and that the lavatory accommodation of each house of four storeys high, which is let out into tenements of one or two rooms per family consists of only one water closet, placed in the basement; and, if so, whether directions will be immediately given to the local authorities to set in motion their powers to condemn these houses and to substitute dwellings fit for human habitation?
Mr. FISHERI have some information as to the houses in Bolton Road. Kensington, but am not in a position to give any such directions to the local authority, as the right hon. Gentleman suggests. If the authority made closing orders in regard to any of the underground rooms or the houses in question the Local Government Board would be the tribunal to whom the owners would have the right of appeal.