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iv
mentioned above may have lowered the standard of health. There
is some evidence pointing to this in the amounts paid by approved
assurance societies for sickness and disablement benefits. Sickness
amongst the members has steadily increased since 1920, and even in
1923 there was a slight increase in the amount of benefits paid as compared
with the year 1922. On the other hand, it is to be noted that the
number of new cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis which one expects to be
affected by conditions tending to a lowering of bodily resistance such as
overcrowding, insufficient food, etc., continues to decrease, although
perhaps not quite at the same rate as in pre·war years.
The housing question is one which continues to give anxious thought
throughout the country. Under the legislation passed by Parliament an
increasing number of houses have been built, but many more are required.
There are three essential factors which must be made effective before
any increase in building can be hoped for, viz., money, materials and
men. So far there has been no difficulty with the first. It has been
stated recently that the County Council in the last three years had voted
22 millions for housing, but has been able to expend only 9| millions.
The difficulty, therefore, seems to lie in the other two factors, viz., in
the cost and sufficient supply of materials, and in the number of men
available and in the amount of work they are prepared to carry out.
Unless Parliament has the courage to tackle these two matters firmly
it is unlikely that the deficit of houses will be wiped out for many years.
The City Council has been urged during the year to build houses in
Westminster, and various schemes have been worked out to give effect
thereto, only to be turned down on the ground of expense. Through the
generosity of the Duke of Westminster, who has given a site, the Council
has been able to get one scheme sanctioned by the Ministry and accommodation
for some 300 persons who require to live near their work will soon
be ready for occupation. Other schemes for providing additional accommodation,
such as that of the Peabody Trust, are being held up through
the operation of the Rent Restrictions Act.
The housing difficulty is not confined to any one class of the community,
and the conversion of large houses into flats and of stables into
dwelling·houses continues. There appears to be considerable demand
for such premises, and the provision of such accommodation must have
an effect in releasing a certain number of houses and thus relieving the
downward pressure.