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78
THE SITE VALUES OF INSANITARY AREAS.
In order to carry out a scheme of demolition of an insanitary area under the
Housing of the Working Classes Act the Public Authority purchases the area
and buildings at market value. By Act of Parliament the cleared area is earmarked
for the erection of dwellings for the working classes. Any private
individual, Company, or Public Authority before erecting such dwellings must
estimate the probable rental to be obtained, and the cost of erection and maintenance
of such dwellings, in order to arrive at the value at which the area of
land so ear-marked can be purchased or credited, In other words, the area is
purchased at market value for demolition, and re-purchased or re-credited at
ear-marked value for re-housing. The loss by difference between the market
value and the ear-marked value of the site may be trifling, considerable, or
great, according to the situation of the land. In moderate sized towns and the
outskirts of large towns there may be no difference, or so little as not to weigh
seriously; in the inner parts of larger cities, and in the outer parts of London,
it may be considerable; and in the inner parts of London it may be great,
This increase in difference of value increases in direct proportion to the
importance of the locality as a centre of national or imperial interests. For
instance, the army of workers necessary to cater for the wants of the immense
population of travellers from all parts of the world frequenting the centre and
middle belt of London. As, in order to protect these interests, Parliament
ear-marked insanitary areas for the purpose of housing the workers that
minister more especially to these national and imperial visitors and their
immediate wants, Parliament should repay out of the imperial funds the
difference between the market value and the housing value of insanitary areas.
Accordingly, on October 15th, it was resolved—
(a) That the Council do present a Petition to Parliament under Seal,
either to relieve the Borough Councils of the obligation to use
insanitary areas for re-housing schemes, or to repay to those
Councils out of Imperial Funds the difference between the market
value and the housing value of such areas.
(b) That a communication be addressed to the other Borough Councils
of the Metropolis calling their attention to the matter, and asking
them to take similar action.
§ 4. SCHOOLS.
At the 67 grant receiving schools 85 inspections were made during the year
by the Woman Inspector.
§ 5. FACTORIES AND WORKSHOPS.
Factories.—The Man Inspector has 297 and the Woman Inspector 90
Factories upon the Registers for inspection as to water service, sanitary conveniences,
drainage, and nuisances. During the year 118 inspections of these
premises were made.
Workshops. - The Man Inspector has 734 and the Woman Inspector 345
Workshops on the Registers for periodical inspection. During the year 487
inspections have been made to these Workshops, and 23 re-inspections after
notices have been served.