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reasons. Even before the War the number of empty
houses was rapidly diminishing. In April this year
there were only 305 unoccupied houses in the Borough,
showing a diminution of 163 during the twelve months.
With the outbreak of war, the consequent increase of
work in the Arsenal, the number of army recruits
quartered in the Borough, and the removal of families
from married quarters into private houses, the demand
for housing accommodation became acute, and it is a
matter of common knowledge that it is practically
impossible now for a working class family to find suitable
housing accommodation vacant in Woolwich.
This matter is not only seriously detrimental to national
and municipal interests, but greatly interferes with
sanitary administration and abatement of nuisances.
Cases of overcrowding due to the same cause are
frequently reported.
There is no doubt there is a permanent demand for
additional houses, quite apart from (he temporary and
acute demand caused by the War. There is a diminution
in the provision of new houses owing to the
increased cost of building material.
As regards the temporary demand occasioned by the
War, and the increased work in the Arsenal, this
should be met by H.M. Government. It would be
easy to erect in a few weeks temporary housing accommodation
to provide for the additional number
working in the Arsenal and unable to obtain suitable
accommodation."
In consequence, the Council resolved:—
(a) That the attention of the Government be drawn
to the deficiency of housing accommodation in the