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45
resulted in the fact that in spite of the erection of large numbers
of houses there was no improvement in the matter of crowding.
The increase in the number of families was due to there being in
this country at that time a greater number than before of women
of ages 15 to 30. The position, however, by 1941, will have altered.
In 1926, there were in the country more females of ages 15 to 30
than of ages 0 to 15. This means that by 1941 there will be far
fewer women of ages 15 to 30 than there were at these ages in 1931,
so that in consequence 1941 will see a reduction in the number of
families. Incidentally, women of ages 15 to 30 provide about
50 per cent. of the births so that a few years after 1941 should see
a reduction in the average size of the family for this apart from other
reasons. These considerations support the suggestion ol the possibility
of a falling demand for houses. Extensive undertakings
carried out to-day, based on the present-day demand, might
prove in a short time to be very extravagant and uneconomic.
The Haweswater undertaking which was abandoned after the
outlay of a considerable sum had been expended, is an instance
of failure to appreciate the fact that although the population of the
country as a whole is still increasing, it is growing at a diminishing
rate and a very few years will see its peak. If one could be
assured that there will be a continuous demand for what is provided
by the expenditure of the outlay involved in a creation of an
estate like this, there might be less objection to development
taking place on this scale, but without this assurance these considerations
only strengthen the contention that re-housing should be
carried out in much smaller units, such units being adjacent to
and forming parts of ordinary stable, though not necessarily
stationary, areas of population.
Possibly there are none to be found who claim to-day that
this estate is a success. As a remedy for the housing conditions
in which the tenants previously "found themselves, it might
be maintained that the experiment has resulted in the provision
of satisfactory alternative accommodation. But can this contention
be upheld in view of the extensive turnover, much of which
is a return flow. As a venture in making a large town, the scheme
at the moment fails—fails for the reason that few residents look
°n the place as their permanent home. Some are content to
remain—they would also be content to remain in the slums.
Many frankly intend to move at the first favourable opportunity.
Others are satisfied to remain for the sake of their children,
Promising themselves that when these children are off their hands,
they will leave. Others insist on removing now for the sake of
the children—not for their health but for the future, as some
Parents see for them little scope for their development. But for
on reason or another few look on this place as their permanent