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60
It is divided into four parts. Part I. deals with the Housing of
the Working Classes. Parts II. and III., which relate to Town
Planning and to County Medical Officers of Health, etc., do not
directly concern Metropolitan Borough Councils. The fourth part
deals with the provisions as to Commons and Open Spaces and the
land in the neighbourhood of Royal Palaces or Parks. The Act,
which does not extend to Ireland, came into force in December, 1909.
Part I.—Housing of the Working Classes.
In the whole country the facilities for the acquisition of land
for the purposes of the Housing Acts have been increased. Loans
may now be made by the Public Works Loan Commissioners for
periods up to 80 years, at a minimum rate of interest.
Part III. of the principal Act (the Housing of the Working
Classes Act of 1890)—which deals with the provision of houses for
the working classes and which is adoptive—is now put into force
throughout the whole country. Powers for the compulsory purchase
of land for the housing of the working classes may be conferred by
Order of the Local Government Board, without confirmation by
Parliament; if objection is raised the Board must hold a public
enquiry. Land which is the site of an ancient monument or other
object of archaelogical interest; as also land which is the property of
any local authority or Corporation or Company, for the purposes of
a Railway, Dock, Canal or other public undertaking; or which forms
part of any park or pleasure ground, or is otherwise required for the
amenity of any dwelling house; or is within a prescribed distance of
any of the Royal Palaces or Parks; is exempt from compulsory
acquisition. A Council may acquire land by agreement, with consent
of the Local Government Board; and it may lay out and construct
public roads on such land. The Local Government Board has power
to call for a report upon any crowded area and may call for joint
action by local authorities. No Order of the L.G.B. under Part I.