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36
"In conclusion, I should like to draw attention to the
pressing needs of those not at present overcrowded, but:
whose needs are nevertheless a matter of concern for future
generations. I refer to the necessity of providing reasonable
accommodation for young married couples. Enquiries show
that some Councils have now realised this need and are
allocating as many as 20% of available houses for young
married couples, with a view to giving the future generation
a better chance to be reared in other than overcrowded circumstances
before they are granted a Council house. In the
past it has been the policy of the majority of local authorities
to consider only overcrowded families, and it does appear now
that the time has come when consideration should be given
to the young people, instead of forcing them into what is
very often the unhappy position of purchasing their own
houses at high prices, which subsequently become millstones
round their necks and otherwise a serious financial strain not
only on the income, but the subsequent health of the families
concerned."
Re-housing of Slum Clearance Tenants.
"Prior to actual removal of the tenants from the slum
clearance area, a personal inspection was made of existing
conditions, and I regret to report that much of the tenants'
furniture and personal effects were so infested with vermin
as to make it very unwise to permit the furniture, etc., being
removed to the new premises. In one case a few wooden
chairs only were fit to be removed.
"Arrangements were therefore made to deal with this
matter, and a supply of essential furniture, bedding, and bed
linen was obtained through the Buying Department. Every
preparation was made for a satisfactory removal for all
parties concerned, by taking the strictest precautions to
prevent the new premises becoming vermin-infested. This
work involved the full and speedy co-operation of the Public
Health, Public Cleansing, Borough Engineer's, and Buying
Departments.
"On the day appointed for removal, personal clothing
and bed linen were collected by the Public Health Department,
steam disinfected, and re-delivered to the new
premises. The Public Cleansing Department collected the
infested furniture and bedding at the same time for incineration
at the Council's destructor works. The new furniture
bedding, etc., were already available for the individual tenants
by arrangement with the Building Foreman, the tenants' own
removal being undertaken personally. There was no apparent
hitch throughout the whole of the proceedings, and the tenants
appeared gratified for the assistance rendered by the Council.