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The Health of Barking
is one of a multiplicity of considerations and that the award of five points does not
necessarily secure accommodation.
The fact that the number of certificates submitted is approximately six each
week, indicates the relation between housing and the general health of the families
without separate homes.
That friction and disruption of family life is a most potent factor of ill-health
is beyond question.
Rehousing the Aged. Elsewhere in this Report, on page 8, I have commented
on the number of aged persons in the Borough.
Here I wish to plead for the early completion of the Council's housing proposals,
because I look forward to the provision of the special accommodation proposed
for those residents, now in the eventide of life and forced to remain imprisoned
in one room without free access to sanitary accommodation or cooking facilities.
The provision of such accommodation will also make possible the release
by the aged of some large accommodation now retained only because of the lack of
an alternative.
HUTTED CAMPS.
During the year there was an increase in the number of families remaining
in occupation of temporary dwellings.
In order to relieve the acute overcrowding and as an emergency measure, the
Council converted parts of a Ministry of Works hutted camp into housing units
totalling 45.
As a result of our earlier experience with this type of converted dwelling,
improvements were incorporated. Huts were divided by brick partition walls, and
each family was provided with a bathroom and w.c. built into the unit, separate
and under cover. In addition constant hot water supply was available from gasheaters
over sink and bath.
The families in occupation of the accommodation were satisfied with this
temporary rehousing at a rent of 10s. per week for two bedroom units.
The number of complaints subsequently received have been few and have
related to the ingress of dampness from roofs and windows in times of storm.

The huts house a population of 791 persons.
(C) INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OF FOOD.
HEALTH EDUCATION.
This is becoming a prominent feature of our health activities and should tend
to make the public realise the Council's interest in the day-to-day lives of its residents
in addition to giving them a lead in healthy living.
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