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28
As to the number of cases, it can only be said that we are
repeatedly serving notices and, as it were, moving on from
house to house, which as you are aware, does not provide any
permanent remedy.
As regards the effect on empty premises, especially on
shops and warehouses, I have not the slightest doubt that the
large increase of street dealers and coster-mongers, mainly
alien, has tended and does tend to keep many premises empty
that would otherwise be occupied but for the fact that this
street trading is now so largely permitted.
Speaking generally again, and as a result of twenty years
experience during which time I have seen the alien population
increase from one or two streets only south of the railway in
Brick Lane to now a large portion of both South and West
Wards and other parts of the Borough generally, I should say
that the effect has been generally hurtful to the conditions of
labour and the social and economic condition of the district.
This would especially be felt in the cabinet-making,
tailoring, and shoe-making industries and in that portion of the
building trades that are engaged in repairs of house property
which especially comes under my notice.
It is a well known fact that these aliens compete first with
our own workmen, and, later on, amongst themselves, that they
will work longer hours at lower prices, with the effect that an
already poor and congested district is much "worsened" by
their presence and keen cutting competition in every direction.
Yours faithfully,
JOHN FOOT.
P.S. In serving notices for overcrowding the Inspectors of course
do not specify aliens, consequently I am unable to give the
number of notices served in respect ot them."