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It is some satisfaction to note the gradual diminution in the
number of one-roomed homes since 1921, but it must be noted that
we have not improved upon the 1911 standard in this respect.
A good slogan for public health authorities, sanitary reformers
and statesmen alike would be "the abolition of the one-roomed home."
To the unhealthy and handicapping conditions that must be associated
with such circumstances there is added the degradation and lowering
of the standards of modesty and morality, which conditions, if not
remedied, threaten the community with moral and physical national
decay.
A feature, possibly peculiar to Hampstead, is that of certain old
worn-out cottages in the vicinity of Hampstead Heath, which were
in the first place scheduled by the Medical Officer of Health for
demolition. Before the Council can demolish them under the Housing
Act they are purchased by builders who, after almost razing them to
the ground, entirely remodel them, in some cases throwing two cottages
into one. On completion of the extensive alterations these
premises (which were previously occupied by members of the working
classes) are let or sold to members of the professional classes.
Statistics.
The following information is required by the Ministry of Health
to be set out in this Annual Report:—
1. Inspection of Dwelling-houses during the Year:—
(1) (a) Total number of dwelling-houses inspected for housing
defects (under Public Health or Housing Acts) 1102
(b) Number of inspections made for the purpose 1951
(2) (a) Number of dwelling-houses (included under sub-head (1)
above) which were inspected and recorded under the
Housing Consolidated Regulations, 1925 769
(b) Number of inspections made for the purpose 1482