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30
between the particular limits of rental value merely as a convenient
description, or whether it is intended that " working class " houses
should be defined as those falling within these limits. In any
case, there is no doubt that there is a large number of houses
above these rental values which urgently needs inspection and
improvement whether their occupiers be described as of the
working-class or otherwise; such occupiers are quite entitled to
such protection against bad housing conditions as is afforded by
the Housing Acts, etc. It is probable, therefore, that the number
of houses which should be inspected as to their general fitness
and state of repair is not far short of 7,000. For a very large
proportion of these houses it is desirable that an inspection should
be made at least once every seven years. The number of houses
which should be inspected every year may therefore be put as
about 750.
In a very full report dated the 8th December, I urged the
Council to bring the Sanitary Inspecting Staff up to its pre-war
strength (four Inspectors). This recommendation was not adopted.
It is, however, quite the minimum that is necessary. Effectively
to grapple with the housing conditions of the district as well as
with other P.H. work (e.g. food inspection) an even larger staff
will be necessary.
In the Housing Survey referred to, the following questions
and answers are important:—
What immediate actioi) is
contemplated by the Local
Authority with regard to :—
(a) Houses which are It is proposed to postpone
not and cannot be made any further action until houses
fit for human habitation ? have been erected under the
new scheme.
(b) Houses which are Action will be taken under
seriously defective but can the Housing Acts, and particube
made habitable ? larly under Section 28 of the
Housing, Town Planning, etc.,
Act, 1919.