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32
the reasons for these flagrant offences are a matter for deep
concern and sympathy, but whilst any extenuating circumstances
are given careful consideration, it is obviously unjust
to give the same treatment of recommendation for rehousing
to these offenders, who try to jump the queue over legitimate
applicants who have been waiting their turn for long periods.
At the same time, in view of the acute shortage of accommodation
it is not practicable to institute legal proceedings except
in the most wilful cases, or where alternative accommodation
is unreasonably refused.
Another difficult problem is that of young married applicants
who are obliged to live with parents or relations. Even with
the best of intentions this invariably results in domestic friction,
but at the same time existing conditions leave no alternative
but to regard these people as sharing the accommodation of
the whole house. This eliminates the possibility of gaining
priority on overcrowding grounds, where in fact they share
adequate accommodation with their families. This is admittedly
a grave social evil, but it will not be possible to overcome it
until more permanent accommodation becomes available.

It should be noted that the overcrowding abated may not
be a true picture of the actual abatement as the Department
is not normally informed of cases where the families have been
rehoused by their own efforts.
A check of families known to be overcrowded will be carried
out during the coming year, in order to arrive at a more
accurate figure.