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63
should be closed and demolished and the site cleared, has been laid
before the Housing of the Working Classes Committee.
In reply, I am directed to state that it appears to the Committee
that under such circumstances it is the duty of the Vestry to take
the necessary steps to obtain closing and demolition orders in
respect of the houses. Perhaps you will therefore suggest this
course to the Vestry before taking any further action.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
C. J. STEWART,
The Medical Officer of Health Clerk of the Council.
of the Vestry of Bethnal Green.
The Clerk of the Vestry was directed to make some enquiries as
to the terms upon which the freehold and leasehold interests in the
houses in Faith Street could be acquired, but such prices were asked
by the owners that the Committee were of opinion that purchase
was out of the question. I understand that in one instance a lease
with 83 years unexpired, which had recently changed hands on a
basis of 13 years' purchase, was offered at the exorbitant advance
of 38 years' purchase.
Temporary repairs have been done to some of the houses, but the
scheme still remains under consideration.
In December my attention was called to some houses in Pitt
Street. Mr. Lapworth, the then inspector of the district, reported
them for Police Court proceedings. On visiting I found the condition
of the houses much too bad for an ordinary summons, and I
reported accordingly. I was thereupon directed to make an examination
of the houses in this and the adjacent streets, with a view
to the bringing up of a full report; the result of my inspection was
the following representation—this is the third of the unhealthy
areas referred to on page 7, ante.
Gentlemen,
I have the honour to report that I have carefully examined
the houses in Pitt St., Lucas St., Archer t., and the east side of