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which could only result in the raising of false hopes. The chief function
of the Sanitary Inspectors with regard to repairs during the war period
has been to differentiate the urgent from the less urgent for the guidance
of those who subsequently undertake the work. Meanwhile, in spite
of phenomenal accomplishments in the matter of war damage repairs,
the arrears of maintenance, repair and redecoration have steadily
accumulated.
The statistics with regard to overcrowding are, of course, apt to
be misleading, chiefly owing to the very low standard set by the
Housing Act, 1936. (In passing, it should be noted that even that
standard when applied to this District revealed 23 cases of overcrowding
during the war years.) This index of present housing conditions would
suggest that but little deterioration has occurred. Unfortunately there
are no definite statistics to present, but it is generally recognised that
with the present acute shortage of houses far more families are now
living under crowded conditions than in the pre-war period. It is very
common to find more than one family and often several families living
in the same house with all the attendant disadvantages, but until more
houses become available but little can be done to assist them. Well
before the ending of hostilities the Council began hard work on the
preparation of plans for the early erection of houses and it was hoped
that the maintenance of health would be the first consideration when
determining priority for rehousing. At the end of 1946 it will be possible
to give the first review of what has been accomplished.
WATER SUPPLY.
The water supply of the District is provided by the Sutton District
Water Company and the East Surrey Water Company, with a private
supply supplementing as required at Cane Hill Hospital. There are
no other private wells in the District. The Old Coulsdon Estate supply
was taken over by the East Surrey Water Company on 1st August, 1939.
All houses are served by public water mains and there are no standpipes
for common use, each house having its own supply within the
house.
Throughout the war years the quantity provided has been adequate
and the quality has been kept at a high level.
Routine quarterly samples have been taken for bacteriological and
chemical examination by the Local Authority and, in addition, special
samples when required. Samples were also taken when necessary
following damage by enemy action to the water mains of the District
and throughout the war the closest co-operation between the Suppliers
and the Public Health Department existed. Detailed plans were made
to meet the most stringent limitation of supply by enemy action but
fortunately very few of these had to be applied. Both Companies
maintained free chlorine in their supplies as a precautionary measure,
which practice it is hoped will be continued.
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