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Acts will no doubt lead to a considerable increase in this
percentage. The general standard, therefore, can be regarded
as favourable when considered in relation to some of the
more congested areas of London.
The hutments, which were reasonable temporary dwellings,
are not suitable for permanent dwellings. They are conconstructed
partially of wood and partially of uralite, an
impermeable material used for inner lining. They are cold
in the winter and hot in the summer, and there is considerable
condensation on the inner walls. 289 have recently been
sold by the Government to a private owner.
The character of the defects discovered, as a result of
inspection, varies in different parts of the Borough, but, in
the main, the defects are of the usual type that occur in
working class dwellings. Decay, dilapidation and dampness
are the defects found in the older houses, where often, in cases
where the lease is about to expire, we find a rooted objection
by the leaseholder to doing any extensive repairs to improve
property succeeding to a freeholder.
Action taken to Remedy Defects It has been found most
convenient to obtain the abatement of nuisances under the
provisions of the Public Health Acts. The details of the
work carried out will be found in Table No. 27. In consequence
of the shortage of houses it was not deemed expedient
to take any action under the Housing Acts, and
therefore no representations were made by the Medical Officer
of Health during the year. In one case, viz., 98a, Woolwich
High Street, the Council made a Closing Order on the 15th
January, the house having been represented in December,
1924.
Unhealthy Areas. No representations have been made
under the Housing Acts, and no complaints were made that
any areas were unhealthy.