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Housing Act, 1936: Part III
With the resumption of slum clearance procedure the Health Department has
taken immediate advantage of the opportunity given.
At the time of preparing my previous annual report representations had
been submitted in respect of certain parts of Broad Lane. Newton and Victoria
Roads, These areas have since been confirmed as "clearance areas" by the
Minister and plans are well ahead for their general redevelopment.
Ai official representation this year dealt with Hale Gardens, part of
High Cross Road and Cape Road an area well known to the Council which I
originally represented in 1939 The problem of dealing with conditions in
this area has been a major one and it will give the department much satisfaction
to see it resolved.
The subject of Housing should not be left without some comment on the
Government White Paper "Houses The Next Step" (Command 8996) and the subsequent
issue of the Housing Repairs and Rents Bill. The objects of the Bill
are to confer additional powers on local authorities in relation to unfit
houses,and in certain circumstances, to permit an increase of rent for repairs.
One of the most important provisions in the Bill is the proposal to
define a standard of fitness for human habitation. Matters to be taken into
consideration include repair; freedom from damp stability; natural lighting;
ventilation; water supply, drainage and sanitary conveniences; facilities
for the preparation storage and cooking of food and disposal of
waste water. The Bill is not yet law but a first impression suggests there
may be a lessening in standards. Where, at the present time, provisions in
the Middlesex County Council Act enable us to deal with certain matters, these
will no longer operate if the Bill becomes law as it stands.