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62
the block of tenement dwellings in Lisbon Street, either
by means of a scheme under Part II. of the Act, or
under the provisions of Section 38, and would arrange
with the Brewery Company—which owns a large part
of the property on the area—for the demolition of the
houses in Pereira Street, and the construction of a new
street on the site of the houses on the west side of that
thoroughfare, with a view to enabling the Company to
re-develop its property to the best advantage. The
Housing Committee suggested that it would be desirable
to defer, until the effect of the proposed legislation had
been seen, the question of a scheme for Sections Nos. 1
and 2 (see page 54).
With regard to the question of the housing of the
people who would be displaced, the County Council, on
grounds both of cost and of public health, expressed
its unwillingness to undertake the erection of further
block dwellings in the central and overcrowded regions
of London, except where circumstances made such provision
absolutely necessary.
In reply, the Board stated that it was advised that
Sections Nos. 1 and 2 contained some of the worst
property in the area, and that the Board was strongly
of opinion that these portions should be dealt with
without delay. As regards Section No. 4, and the
question of rehousing displaced persons, the Board could
not decide upon this matter until all the local circumstances
and interests had been investigated in connection
with a definite scheme.
It was at this stage that the President of the Local
Government Board consented to receive the proposed
deputation, which waited on the President at the House
of Commons on July 7th, 1914.