HC Deb 14 February 1946 vol 419 cc507-8
13. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Health what action he intends to take against the landlord of 24, Lamont Road, Chelsea who failed to carry out the repairs to floorboards and roof at these premises, as ordered by several sanitary notices issued by the Chelsea Corporation, in view of the injuries caused by rat-bites to seven-weeks-old Bernard Cheeseman.

Mr. Bevan

The council have requisitioned this property and the families have been rehoused elsewhere. I may add that the statutory notice served in this case was under the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, and I have no power to take proceedings. The full report of the case is being presented by the town clerk to the Chelsea Metropolitan Borough Council.

Mr. Lewis:

Is the Minister aware that many. progressive Labour-controlled councils, such as West Ham, do prosecute in such instances as this?

Mr. Bevan

As I say, I myself have no direct powers.