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Perambulator Sheds.—A letter was received from the Ministry of Health slating that
they have had under reconsideration the position, the amount of work, and the cost that would
be entailed in the erection of the pram sheds as shown on the drawings. With a view
to reducing the cost of the scheme, the Ministry requested the Committee to consider the
omission of the sheds as they considered that the sheds could be provided in another position
and in a more economical method, if they were still considered essential. In the opinion of the
Committee it was considered essential that provision should be made for the sheds in a block
of flats of this size, an opinion which was based upon the experience already obtained from
other blocks of buildings erected by the Council. The Ministry were informed of this
decision and the question has since been discussed on the site with one of their representatives.
Somers Town Improvement Scheme, No. 1, 1921.
On the 17th December, 1919 the Committee were authorised by the Council to prepare
reconstruction schemes under Part II of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, in regard
to fifteen areas in Somers Town. The details of these areas were enumerated in the report of
the Medical Officer of Health, who advised that the areas were insanitary and could not be
satisfactorily dealt with otherwise than by schemes of reconstruction. This was a considered
opinion following upon a detailed inspection of all the streets and houses in the district in
question.
A copy of the Committee's report was sent to the London Housing Board on the 20th
December, 1919. Meanwhile, the Council's Architect (Mr. A. J. Thomas, l.r.i.b.a.), was
instructed to prepare the necessary plans of these areas and of the proposed buildings, and to
supply such other infomation as would enable schemes to be compiled in accordance with the
provisions of the Act. This was done and a comprehensive report submitted to the Ministry.
On the 12th April, 1920, the Medical Officer of Health and the Chief Clerk had an
interview with the Ministry's representatives on the subject, when it was arranged for one of
their Inspectors to visit the areas in order that the Ministry might, be in a better position to
advise the Council before steps were taken to prepare the petitions under Part IT. It was
clearly desirable to obtain an indication of the views of the Ministry before putting into motion
the complicated machinery involved in the preparation of reconstruction schemes.
The areas were inspected by a representative of the Ministry on the 21st April.
Letters of enquiry were addressed to the Ministry on the 28th April and 19th May, and on
the 5th July the following reply was received:—
735/202 Ministry of Health,
Whitehall, S.W. 1.
July, 1920.
Sir,
Somers Town.
With reference to your letter of the 19th May, I am directed by the Minister of Health to
state that he has had under consideration a report made by Mr. Stewart with reference to a
number of small areas, in regard to which the Metropolitan Borough Council of St. Pancras have
authorised the preparation of improvement schemes under Part It of the Housing of the Working
Classes Act, 1840. There appears to be a prima facie case for dealing with these areas or some of
them in the manner proposed, but there are certain points in regard to which the Ministry desire
further information. They would be glad if representatives of the Council would call at this office
and confer with the officials of the Ministry on the subject.
I am to request that notice may be given as to the date on which the Counc'ls representatives
propose to come.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Signed) C. B. R. Ellis,
A. P. Coke, Esq. For Assistant Secretary.