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56
These reasonably proper housing conditions can be reproduced
to a certain extent in the general tuberculous population of the
country and—if put into practice—they will assist materially in
the prevention of juvenile tuberculosis.
Some years ago I suggested that a small proportion of Council
houses should be allocated to families recommended on medical
grounds, but no action was taken on that suggestion. During
recent years increasing interest has been taken by many Local
Authorities in the rehousing of households in which a member of
the family is suffering from tuberculosis in an infectious stage;
and the indications are that these schemes are beneficial. In any
case it cannot be disputed that there are no members of the community
who more deserve the sympathetic consideration and help
of the Local Authority referred to in Circular 1591; and there is
no more practical way of showing such consideration than by allocating
suitable accommodation to families recommended on medical
and public health grounds.
Family No. 1. One son (21 years) died of pulmonary tuberculosis
some three years ago. A daughter (12 years) is at present
undergoing institutional treatment at Ventnor Sanatorium. Two
children—a boy aged 9, and a girl aged 6—are attending Knotts
Green Open Air School in order to endeavour to build up their
delicate constitutions by fresh air and good food. The family
consists of:—
Father—labourer earning £2 15s. Od. per week.
Mother—a delicate woman showing signs of physical deterioration
due to worry and anxiety.
Son (16 years)—cabinet maker earning 18s. per week. Under
medical supervision at the Tuberculosis Dispensary.
Daughter (15 years)—Earns 12s. per week. A delicate girl.
Daughter (12 years)—in Ventnor Sanatorium temporarily.
Son (9 years) Delicate children attending Knotts Green Open Air School
Daughter (6 years) .
This family of seven persons occupies an upstairs flat consisting
of two bedrooms and kitchen. In one bedroom sleep the father
and two sons; in the other the mother and three daughters. The
bedrooms measure 174 and 99 square feet respectively; and the
house is definitely overcrowded on the official standard. They
have made application for a Council house, and are prepared to
pay the rent.