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10
Although the new Housing Act provides for an increased rate of contribution, in
certain cases even np to an amount of seventy shillings per annum, for 40 years, per person
rehoused, yet the standard laid down, which requires a house of 3 bedrooms for 5 persons and
4 bedrooms for 7 persons, irrespective of size of room or age or sex of the occupants, is so
lavish as to seriously diminish the value of the financial grant. On this scale an unskilled
labourer with wages of 40s. to 50s. per week and a family of 9 or 10 children would require a
house with at least 6 bedrooms, which, in practice, would be very difficult to provide. A
more appropriate standard would be one based on number of cubic feet per person, with
separation of the sexes, as regards sleeping accommodation, for persons over 12 years of age.
In conclusion, I have again to thank the Chairman and members of the Public Health
Committee for the consideration so invariably accordcd to me, and the staff of the department
for their loyal and cordial co-operation.
Iam, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
Medical Officer of Health.