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41
REHOUSING
Despite the continuing increase in the local population, fewer
applicants last year sought the assistance of the Public Health
Department for rehousing on medical, overcrowding or sanitary
grounds, although the figures for 1950 showed a very steep
increase in comparison with previous years. The number of
cases investigated and the number of visits involved by Sanitary
Inspectors last year were in fact almost identical with the 1948
level.
Particularly noticeable was the considerable decrease in the
number of new overcrowding cases reported. One cannot explain
this rather unexpected and sudden trend unless it be that higher
costs are deterring the influx of people into the Metropolis, but
nevertheless the fact in itself is gratifying.
Overcrowding is sometimes deliberately created in order to
try to obtain priority rehousing, but the most careful investigations
are made to ensure that these cases are not recommended;
whilst wilful overcrowding renders the offender liable for
prosecution, it is not considered practicable under present-day
conditions to make any such prosecutions.
During the year a check was made on all overcrowded
cases on the register, and as a result it was found that 48
premises, 59 families and 304 persons were no longer overcrowded.