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45
The comparable figures for 1937 are also given, and, in considering
these, it must be borne in mind that the original survey took place in
1935-1936, and no exhaustive investigation had been made between
that time and the end of 1937. During 1938 the Council appointed
two investigators to make a comprehensive survey and, as a result,
6,837 visits were paid and enquiries completed in six of the twelve
wards, and instructions were given that the rest of the Borough was to
be visited in the same manner. Only by such procedure can the
extent of overcrowding be gauged, for the picture is a continually
changing one. Relief of overcrowding of known cases is counterbalanced
by an increase in the number of overcrowded families from
natural causes, e.g., increasing age of children, marriages, etc., and it
is of paramount importance that these new cases should be promptly
ascertained. This object, by the Council's appointment of the two
investigators, is being attained.
(d) Re-overcrowding of houses in respect of which the Borough
Council has taken steps to abate overcrowding.
Two cases of re-overcrowding have been detected, viz.:
(1) A two roomed tenement in L.C.C. dwellings, previously
de-crowded, and becoming overcrowded by reason of a
child arriving at the age of 1 year.
(2) Three rooms occupied by 5i (equivalent) adults. This
case has been referred to the Town Clerk for the necessary
action.
(e) Twelve cases of overcrowding since the "appointed day,"
included in the foregoing figures, have been reported to the
Town Clerk for the necessary action to be taken. Of these
cases, five have so far been abated, and negotiations are
still proceeding with regard to the others.
In view of the magnitude of the London County Council housing
undertakings in Deptford I append a summary of the accommodation
provided or in course of provision :—