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152
HOUSING OF THE WORKING CLASSES.
It has only been found necessary to condemn 15 houses during
1904, under the housing of the Working Classes Acts, and
particulars of these (together with the reasons for their condemnation)
are to be found on p. 147. Action under the Housing
Acts is exceptional, as the majority of cases can be dealt with
satisfactorily under the Public Health Acts, under which a closing
order can be obtained in the case of a house that may be found
to be, structurally or otherwise, unfit for human habitation.
Conference on London Housing, Building, &c
A Conference, convened by the Workmen's National Housing
Council, was held on December 3rd, 1904, at Essex Hall, and
many resolutions were passed thereat, dealing with the subjoined
{inter alia) subjects :—
1. Protests against (a) existing high rents; (b) the
tendency to build houses and rooms of small dimensions ;
(c) continued existence of slums; and (d) the protracted
shortage of house room, with the consequent unhealthy
crowding.
2. Need for improved Municipal Housing Schemes by (a)
empowering local authorities to issue non-interest bearing
notes; (b) grants from the Imperial Exchequer; (c) tax on
site values.
3. Need for proper definition of a "room," e.g., the air
space not less than 1,200 cubic feet.
4. Need for improved means of transit and locomotion
for London.
An Order in Council has been issued, transferring all powers
under the Housing Acts from the Secretary of State to the
Local Government Board, as and from March 1st, 1904.