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97
amenities can be supplied, and with the gradual emergence of decontrol
there is evidence that some of them arc being installed even in old
tenement houses. As regards overcrowding, under a good system rooms
are not let to families unless conditions are consistent with legal space and
proper separation of sexes. Here and there perhaps instances occur of
children reaching adult age in too restricted dwellings, but by good
management these arc dealt with by transfer as vacancies arise. Similar
measures are applicable to underground rooms. Where good management
prevails the legal requirements are known and observed. It may
be truthfully said that where such schemes of sound co-ordinated property
management are in force the dwellings cause little anxiety to those who
administer the laws of housing.
Departmental Committee on Housing.
This Committee, appointed on the 6th March, 1933, under the Chairmanship
of the Eight Hon. the Lord Moyne, D.S.O., issued its report in
July of the same year.
The terms of reference of the Committee were to consider and report:—
(a) What, if any, further steps are necessary or desirable to secure
the maintenance of a proper standard of fitness for human
habitation in working class houses which are neither situate
in an area suitable for clearance under Part I of the Housing
Act, 1930, nor suitable for demolition under Section 19 of
that Act; and
(b) What, if any, further steps are necessary or desirable to promote
the supply of houses for the working classes, without public
charge, through the agency of public utility societies or other
bodies subject to similar limitations operating in particular
areas or otherwise.
Evidence was taken from a number of important bodies, including the
Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee and private individuals
; the Committee also visited properties in various London Boroughs.
The report is of a comprehensive nature and extends over some
70 pages, finishing with a summary of the recommendations of the Committee.
In this brief reference it is not possible to deal in detail with the
evidence and recommendations, but the following may be taken to
represent a summary of the general scheme of the proposals:—
(1) Local Authorities should be given compulsory powers and
encouragcd to acquire, for reconditioning, working class