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9
Hill, as a Redevelopment area. It is hoped to have all the
details required for representation to the Council early in 1939.
In addition there has been a steady representation of individual
unfit houses throughout the town. This work, however,
has been somewhat retarded by the lack of alternative accommodation.
There is little profit in obtaining the Council's approval
for the demolition of unfit property if such demolition cannot be
carried out because of a lack of other accommodation of a suitable
character, for the tenants who would be displaced. For a
house to continue to be occupied for months after a demolition
order has been made upon it is most unsatisfactory from all
points of view. The problem of the basements mentioned in my
1937 report is still very real in Croydon, as is also the house
originally intended for one family but converted, in some cases
most imperfectly, into three or more flats. The overcrowding
standard laid down in the Housing Act, 1936, does not function
satisfactorily inasmuch as a kitchen has to be included as a room
which may be used for sleeping.
Work has commenced under the new provisions contained
in the Public Health Act, 1936, for the inspection of offices, and
during the year 63 inspections were made. It is pleasing to
record that no difficulties have, as yet, arisen, although a number
of defects requiring attention were discovered.
The details contained in the report also show that the Chief
Sanitary Inspector's department has fully maintained the close
scrutiny it exerts upon the food supplies in the town.
Croydon Airport.
The Public Health (Aircraft) Regulations, 1938, laid new
duties upon Local Authorities within whose boundaries airports
were situated. Croydon is a sanitary aerodrome under Article 8
of the Aerial Convention, and as such the Council have to make
available an organised medical service with a medical officer and
at least one assistant officer acting under his direction; a place
for medical inspection, a laboratory, facilities for the isolation,
transport and care of the sick, for the isolation of contacts
separately from the sick and for carrying out any other prophylactic
measures, the apparatus necessary for carrying out disinfection,
disinsecting, deratisation, etc., a sufficient supply of
wholesome drinking water, and a proper and safe system for the
disposal of excreta and refuse.