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be appropriated for the purpose of dwellings for persons of the working classes, except so far as
the Minister may dispense with such appropriation, and every conveyance, demise or lease of any
of these lands shall be indorsed with notice of this provision.
8. The Council may, with the consent of and in accordance with plans to be approved by the
Minister, lay out and construct new streets and widen existing streets in the area and close or
divert any highways in the area, and any lands ceasing to be or to form part of a highway under
the provisions of this clause shall vest in the Council.
9. In this Scheme the expression "the Map" means the map prepared in duplicate and
sealed with the official seal of the Minister and marked " Metropolitan Borough of Saint Pancras
(Somers Town) Improvement Scheme, 1921, Map showing area of Scheme." One duplicate of
the said Map is deposited in the Office of the Minister and the other in the Offices of the Council.
10. This Scheme may be cited as "The St. Pancras (Somers Town) Improvement Scheme,
1921."
Given under the Official Seal of the Minister of Health, this Second day of May, in the
year One thousand nine hundred and twenty-five.
F. L. TURNER,
Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Health.
A copy of the Order has been served on the owners and lessees of the property proposed
to be acquired under the Scheme, and the Council's Solicitors instructed to take all
necessary steps to complete the purchase of the various interests after agreement with the
District Valuer. The Council's Architect has also been instructed to prepare the working
drawings for the proposed new buildings, which will comprise 40 two-room Hats and 30 threeroom
fiats, exclusive of scullery, bathroom, w.c., etc. The lay-out also provides for a possible
extension of the Scheme by incorporating certain property in Clarend' n Street, abutting on
Wolcot Street.
Ossulston Street.—An official representation, under Part I of the Housing of the
Working Classes Act, 1890, was made to the London County Council by the Medical Officer
of Health (Dr. G. Sowden), with regard to the unhealthy area known as Ossulston Street.
This area is bounded by Hampden Street on the north, Ossulston Street on the east, Chalton
Street on the west, and Euston Road on the south. The County Council, being satisfied that
the conditions prevailing within the area could only be remedied by clearance and reconstruction,
decided, on the 10th February, 1925, to make an Improvement Scheme. The
execution of the Scheme, as proposed, which comprises about eight acres, will, it is assumed,
involve the displacement of about 2,700 persons, and it is proposed that re-housing accommodation
for no fewer than that number shall be provided within the area.
General Matters.
Redecorations.—During the past year, the Council decided that such decorations and
repairs as may be required should be carried out under the direct supervision of the Housing
Superintendent, who was authorised to engage, as far as possible, the services of the caretakers
and such casual labour as maybe necessary. In accordance with that instruction, a programme
of work was drawn up, under which the whole of the dwellings would be redecorated
systematically, regard being had to the money set aside in the repairs funds, which is a fixed
sum, and which cannot be diverted or used for any other purpose. The scheme is working
satisfactorily, and a considerable amount of work has been done.
Consultations with the London County Council.—A communication was received from the
London County Council in regard to the desirability of arrangements being made whereby
Metropolitan Borough Councils could be given further opportunities for discussing with the
Central Authority matters relating to the bousing of the working classes. It was pointed out
that to proceed by way of deputation was a somewhat cumbersome method, involving a