View report page

44
premises in question are not reasonably capable of
being made habitable. In my opinion this does not
apply to mere structural conditions, as I know that no
house, other than a mere ruin, is in so bad a condition
that it cannot somehow be made passably fit, though
the question whether the necessary expenditure would
or would not be economical is for the owner to decide.
The conditions referred to are, in my opinion, such
bad position or close surroundings as would render
the house unhealthy by reason of defective lighting
or ventilation, and over which the owner could exercise
no control.
Amongst other things, certain schemes may now be
carried through without the necessity for obtaining
Parliamentary sanction; the period for which money
can be borrowed by a local authority for purposes of
the Act is extended from 60 to 80 years; additional
powers are given to include the provision, upon a
cleared site, of shops and public buildings, &c., which
in the opinion of the Local Government Board would
benefit the community. The amending Act is, of
course, another instance of legislation by reference, and
he would be a bold man who should say exactly from
the wording of the text how the law will work without
carefully considering the controlling effect of previous
enactments.
No proceedings were taken under Part II. of the
principal Act during the year, but a representation was
made to the London County Council under Part I.
of which the following is a copy:—