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encourage them to take advantage of our care and after-care facilities.
Housing
Much discussion has centred on the extent of the powers available
under Part II of the Housing Act 1961, particularly in respect of
houses-in-multiple occupation. Despite the built-in limitations of
parts of this Act, it has been possible to make a good beginning towards
the improvement of these properties. The special Housing section has
undertaken a considerable number of inspections at all hours of the day
and night to contact owners/occupiers, and check on conditions of occupation.
Some 200 houses have been dealt with. (See full report on page 39).
A partial approach to dealing with the sub-standard and slum tenement
blocks commenced during the year. In a large privately owned tenementdwelling
block assistance with rehousing from one section of 22 flats was
given by the Borough Council to allow a pilot scheme of conversion in the
block, using discretionary grant facilities. Satisfactory agreement by
both parties was reached on the proposed new rentals with a concomitant
security of tenure. Other similar schemes of co-operation with private
landlords have been held up due to a shortage of accommodation available
for allocation by the Council to absorb the temporary or permanent overspill
arising from these projects. Another large block of 100 flats,
heretofore considered sub-standard, has been represented as unfit, without
any opposition from the owners on the grounds of unfitness, and the
Minister's decision is awaited. As the Borough has approximately 5,000
sub-standard dwelling units in this category, there is a long way yet to
go. In some parts of the Borough for example those zoned commerce or
light industry, numbers of slum houses remain undealt with partly because
action would result in a great loss to the available housing pool with no
gain in land for new housing schemes. It is paradoxical that such deplorable
areas, particularly in the north-west of the Borough, should remain
despite the boom in office and commercial building over the last decade.
Surely, controlled 'mixed development' could solve the dilemma and plight
of many still living in these sordid conditions. Derelict sites remain
with us. The potential public health nuisance is being partly ameliorated
by the London County Council's programme of placing temporary mobile homes
on sites zoned non-residential whose development is not programmed in the
immediate future.
Health Education
Various lectures have been given by the staff of the Department to
persons and organisations in the Borough, including youth groups, schools
and hospital nurses. The venereal diseases were discussed at two meetings
of community leaders in the Borough. Educational talks have been given
at a senior girls' school on this subject. More could be done if trained
full-time staff were available for this important function of a public
health department.
The potential dangers of oil-heaters were publicised by the issue of
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