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10
The repair and maintenance of house property represents the major work of the district
sanitary inspectors and it cannot be over emphasised that a large percentage of the population
of St. Pancras rely upon the work of these inspectors for the maintenance of reasonable housing
conditions.
The costs of repairs continues to create much difficulty, for landlords are continually
complaining that whilst these have risen considerably they have not been allowed to increase
their income by raising rents.
During the year three areas containing 137 houses were surveyed and a report submitted
prior to compulsory purchase by the Borough Council. These reports were accompanied by
plans of the areas and provided an overall picture of the sites, including the number of houses
existing thereon, the number of lettings, the number of rooms and the number of occupants.
These surveys enabled the Council to appreciate not only the type of property that will be
demolished but also the number of individuals and families who would need rehousing.
A survey was also carried out to see whether the provisions of the Housing Act, 1949,
could be brought into operation to improve areas in the borough. An area was chosen for this
survey which contained 141 houses. The total number of rooms was 1,000. There were
385 lettings and 837 occupants. The survey elicited the information that if the houses in the
area were improved and modern amenities provided for the occupants in accordance witli
the requirements of the Act, additional accommodation to the extent of 252 rooms would
have to be provided elsewhere.
Schedule 4—Housing Act, 1936.
Where a house is compulsorily purchased by the Borough Council it is necessary for
the purpose of assessing the purchase price to ascertain whether the property is in a state of
defective sanitation or is not in reasonably good repair. The surveys for this purpose are
undertaken by your district sanitary inspectors. A complete inspection of the property is
required both internally and externally and copies of the schedules so prepared are forwarded
to the Council's Valuer. During the year 151 houses were surveyed under this heading.
I am now left with the pleasant task of conveying to the Council my thanks for the
courtesy I have received at all times during the year. No Medical Officer could have been
afforded happier and better opportunities of carrying out his work than those extended to
me by the St. Pancras Borough Council, and for this I am duly grateful.
May I mention in particular the Chairman of the Public Health Committee, Councillor
Evan Evans, whose help and judgment I have appreciated throughout the two years he has
held this office. His tact and wisdom, his sympathy and understanding were particularly
apparent when we had the task of considering the underground bakehouses in the borough.
To my colleagues and the members of my department I would also like to pay a tribute
for their happy co.operation and help during 1950. Lastly I would wish to recognise the
help and co.operation of my colleagues in the medical profession, both specialists and general
practitioners, whose help 1 have been happy to receive at all times, and to the voluntary
associations with whom it has been a pleasure to work.
I beg to remain,
Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
DENNIS H. GEFFEN,
. Medical Officer of Health.