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37
SECTION D.
HOUSING.
It is suggested by the Ministry that only a general appreciation
be given of the housing position, shoving the extent to which
housing matters have been affected by the changed conditions in
respect of the period covered, by this Report. The following
observations are therefore based on a general understanding of the
district instead of on statistics, which are not now available.
In any case, it is rather doubtful whether statistics in regard to
such matters as over crowding etc, would be of much value in view
of the movement of population during war-time.
There is no doubt that additional housing accommodation is
required and the Housing Committee is giving the problem their close \
attention. Housing matters have undoubtedly been affected by the
following factors*
(a) The partial suspension of action, under the Housing Acts,
in regard to insanitary areas, from the commencement of
the war.
(b) The cessation of building.
(c) Damage by enemy action.
(d) The influx of war population, many of whom have had to
be billeted in private houses.
(e) Shortage of building operatives and building materials.
Judged by the applications received for housing accommodation
the demand is much higher now than before the war. This is due
partly to the larger number of marriages taking place. Many of
the men who have married are with H.M.Forces and they must be
regarded as potential householders who will need housing accommodation
when they return. There is a larger proportion of houses
originally intended for the occupation of one family only, which
now are providing accommodation for two or more families. Since
it has been impossible during recent years to make structural
alterations, it will be understood that many of these families must
be living under difficult and unsatisfactory circumstances* There
is, therefore, an urgent and present need for additional housing
accommodation.