London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Walthamstow 1952
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]
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bedroom. Kitchens and bathrooms are ignored, and children count
as ½ persons. The Ministry's official overcrowding figure is two
persons per room.
"The 'hard core' of the housing register is probably to be
found in the following categories:—
1½ persons or more per room 1,174
Three families per dwelling 330
Families with 2 or more children living with in-laws 556
Priority I 2,060
"There will also be some exceptional cases (not covered above)
requiring special treatment.
"To these ought to be added if possible:—
Over 1 person per room 2,743
Priority II 2,743
"The remainder are chiefly those who already have as many
rooms as we would allot them or those who want a change of
landlord or a house with present-day comforts and improvements.
While such desires are natural, the Council cannot hope to be able
to cater fully for these last groups.
"The basic need, therefore, is 2,060 dwellings, to which should
be added (if possible) a further 2,743."
Rehousing of Medical Cases
During 1952, 91 cases claiming priority of rehousing for
tuberculosis were investigated and reported upon. Of these, 16
cases were added to the list of cases and classified in order of
urgency.
The position at the end of 1952 was as follows:—
| Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | Class 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On List, at end of 1951 | 12 | 17 | 9 | 37 | 75 |
| Added to List during 1952 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 16 |
| 19 | 20 | 14 | 38 | 91 | |
| Rehoused or removed from List during 1952 | 17 | 6 | 1 | 13 | 37 |
| On List at end of 1952 | 2 | 14 | 13 | 25 | 54 |
In addition to the tuberculosis cases, 48 cases were recorded as
needing special investigation on medical grounds, and 57 on
general housing grounds.