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making this a complete record of all existing overcrowded families,
and of the action taken to deal with them; of new cases as they arise
by reason of births or the growing up of children; and of cases licensed
by the Borough Council.
Progress in the reduction of overcrowding has not been as rapid
as could be wished, but it is realised by those who are closely concerned
with the matter, that, with the limited accommodation available and
the local difficulties in providing housing facilities, the elimination of
overcrowding cannot be achieved immediately and in the meanwhile
specially calls for sympathy and understanding in administrative action.
Un-dcrgrmind Rooms.
Steady progress has continued to be made in dealing with underground
rooms that do not comply with the requirements of the law,
and where unhealthy conditions exist. At its meeting in September,
the Council received a report from the Housing Committee on the
subject of underground rooms dealt with by them under the Housing
Act. I have thought it desirable to insert in this Annual Report the
report referred to, as it includes a statement of the facts regarding
such underground rooms and of the policy of the Housing Committee
in dealing with them:—
" Underground Rooms.
We beg to report as follows upon this subject: —
(i) Definitions of Underground Room.
There are two definitions—one applicable to proceedings under the
Housing Act, 1936, and one to proceedings under the Public Health
(London) Act, 1936.
The definition in the Housing Act, 1936, Section 12 (2), is material
to all proceedings undertaken by the Housing Committee (i.e., including
all Closing Orders made by the Council) and is as follows: —
"A room the surface of the floor of which is more than 3 ft. below
the surface of the part of the street adjoining or nearest to
the room, or more than 3 ft. below the surface of any ground
within 9 ft, of the room."
This definition is very wide, as a room is brought within it both
by reference to the street adjoining or nearest, or any ground within
nine feet.