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95
The return of the military elements of the population is an
additional factor, and last of all there is the present shortage of
houses.
In the five years previous to the War it is estimated that, on an
average, 156 houses per annum were erected. During the War,
3436 houses (including 1930 huts) were erected, but this was
insufficient for the abnormal increase of population during that
period.
109. Fitness of Houses. Woolwich is one of the Metropolitan
Boroughs situated on the outer circle of London, and in consequence
it would be reasonable to expect that housing conditions
would be less congested and in a more satisfactory condition than
they would be in the centre of the County. Such is the case
except in the older parts of the Borough.
A large number of the houses have been built in the last 30
years, and there has, of course, been no repetition of the condition
of affairs which was permitted before the passing of the London
Building Act; but it must be borne in mind that some of the
houses in the older parts of the Borough are more crowded
together than is desirable and will require serious consideration
whenever housing conditions improve and accommodation exists
for those occupants who are likely to be displaced as the result
of the demolition of various small areas.
It is one of the primary duties of a Sanitary Authority to see
that the houses of its inhabitants are maintained at such a
standard as to render them reasonably fit for human habitation;
but in the carrying out of this work it must be borne in mind
that the difficulties which the Sanitary Authority have had to
contend with in this matter are now greatly increased. There
is a legitimate outcry for a better standard of housing, for
the provision of houses possessing additional amenities rather
than immediate necessities. The changed economic conditions,
the increase in cost of labour and materials, and the demand on