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48
not for the growth of overcrowding referred to above, schemes
for dealing with the small amount of slum property in the town
could have been formulated.
*
The working-class houses in the district have the advantages of
good wide streets and adequate back garden area, giving better
external ventilation than is usually found in old industrial towns.
The defects which are most frequently met with are indicated
in the summary of sanitary work carried out.
Our experience during recent years is that owners will not,
owing to the altered economic conditions, carry out any major
maintenance works, such as repairs to the external walls and
woodwork of the houses, with the result that considerable decay
of the structures of working-class houses is taking place and would
inevitably lead to further slum dwellings but for the application
of the Housing Act.
There is not the slightest doubt, however, that many of the
internal defects in houses are largely contributed to by the misuse
and carelessness of the tenants, whose personal and environmental
cleanliness is much to be deplored.
There is ample scope for self-help in health, and the application
of this by many of the citizens of Barking would enhance the
general health of the community and stimulate the Local Authority
to further efforts on their behalf.