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be restricted to replacing the working-class dwellings in the City where
these are worn out and lacking in conveniences and also to making such
provision for certain classified workers as will put an end to overcrowding
and others forms of illegal occupation.
Basement dwellings.—The question of living in basements is one which
came into great prominence in connection with the flooding of riverside
districts of London. It will be remembered that there are two governing
principles here involved. The Public Health London Act, 1891, Section 96,
requires that no basements shall be occupied as separate dwellings unless
they comply with certain structural standards. If, however, the occupier
has a room on an upper floor the force of this section ceases to have effect.
The Housing Act, 1909, and Regulations re-enacted in the Act of 1925
lay down more far-reaching requirements if basements are to be used
as sleeping rooms. It is under the latter that it is possible to take the
most satisfactory action. A room which does not comply may be closed
for sleeping purposes by order of the Sanitary Authority.
The danger to which occupants of basement sleeping rooms are exposed
in districts liable to river flooding need not be emphasised. The risk is
increased where those rooms do not comply either in respect of greater
depth below the footway or deficiency of access of windows or doors.
So far as Westminster is concerned only one fatality occurred in an
underground room illegally occupied; the others who were drowned were
living in underground rooms where the conditions were in accordance with
statutes and regulations.
With regard to the question of basements generally the whole matter
cannot be decided so simply as many imagine. In several instances
basements have been found which according to measurements were
illegally occupied and yet were brighter and more airy than many others
which complied with the regulations or for that matter some ground floor
rooms in certain districts. Other factors play an important part—width
of street, height and elevation of neighbouring buildings, aspect in relation
to sunlight. There are, however, many basement rooms which are
undoubtedly depressing to health when the occupants have to live, sleep
and eat in the same rooms. Ventilation in these is often inadequate,
dampness in varying degrees owing to defects in the original construction
may be present and is sometimes incurable. The atmosphere of the
interiors is dim and murky. If housing accommodation increased to such
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an extent would it ever be expedient to ask for powers to close all underground
rooms for living purposes? In those cases where underground
rooms have become disused whether by reason of action by the sanitary
authority or otherwise they become dumps for rubbish. Dirt and dust
(10285) E 2