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48
Borough. Each house had been damaged nearly four times during
the period. Damage by V1' s resulted in 21,400 houses damaged in
1944. The winter of 1944 might well have proved disastrous from a
public health standpoint with housing conditions damaged as they
were, and the value of the repair service will for ever remain unknown-

Licensing of Building Works.
An increase of maintenance work was possible in the early part of
the year but even this was seriously curtailed by labour diminished by
the demands of H.M. Services. 178 Certificates of essentiality were
granted during the year. The extensive war damage in the latter half
of the year demanded the services of all available labour and materials.
Emergency Drainage Repairs.
The "sealing off" of drainage from demolished houses and the
reinstatement of drainage and sanitary fitments of war-damaged
buildings was supervised by the department. 379 yards of drainage
was relaid.
Emergency Water Supplies.
A review of arrangements for emergency water supplies was made
in conjunction with the Metropolitan Water Board with whom the
department co-operated in connection with emergency chlorination
and distribution measures.
Disposal of Civilian War Dead.
The direction by the department of this service continued during
the year and regrettably the period of enemy action brought a period
of activity to this service. The execution of these painful duties
earned much gratitude and favourable comment for the very efficient
mortuary staff.