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31
Within what time is it
contemplated that conditions
will be such as to warrant
the demolition of the houses
which are not and cannot be
made fit for human habitation
?
Within two years.
As these answers must presumably be read in conjunction
with the approximate dates, given in another answer, for the
completion of the several housing schemes they give room for
much disquietude. One scheme for 46 houses on the Warren
Estate was estimated to be completed by May, 1920, but so far
as I am aware, no building operations have yet been commenced
at the date of writing (31/3/20). No other scheme was even
estimated to be completed before May, 1921, and the greater
number of houses were not expected until November, 1922. To
ascertain the reasons for the delay in providing these urgently
necessary houses does not fall within my province, but the
consequences of such delay, clearly, are a matter for grave public
health concern. In effect they mean the indefinite continuance of
overcrowding, with increased risks of disease and high infant and
general death rates, as well as the continued toleration of houses
recognised to be unfit for human habitation, and of congested
areas which may prove, upon inspection, to be unhealthy within
the meaning of the Housing Acts. I feel it my duty, as your
Medical Officer of Health, to draw attention to the urgency of
this matter, and to submit that few considerations can outweigh
the vitally important human considerations which are involved in
better housing for the people.
Information under the following headings is required by the
Ministry of Health :—
I. General Housing Conditions in the District.
(1) Total number of houses 8,814
Working-class houses 4,376 (estimated)
New houses for working-houses
erected during the year or in
course of erection 3