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36
Slum Clearance
Since the war 7 areas have been represented for clearance under Part III
of the Housing Act, 1936, and Clearance and Compulsory Purchase Orders submitted
to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
Decisions are outstanding in 4 cases.

Medical Aspects of Housing
Medical certificates are frequently submitted in respect of housing
applications. Those submitting these certificates are usually under the
impression or at least very hopeful, that this will automatically give them
priority in rehousing. This is not the case. The housing department
consults this department on receipt of medical certificates and advice is
given in committee on these matters.
The guiding principles for priority on medical grounds are:-
1. Is the present accommodation a factor in aggravating or perpetuating
the illness; and
2. Whether new accommodation which may be available will be suitable for
the family's need and be a factor in assisting the patient's recovery.
With physical illness it is usually relatively easy to assess these
matters but in the sphere of mental illness the problem is usually less clear
cut. In broad terms one can say that neuroses may benefit whilst psychoses
are unlikely to.
Another difficult type of case is that in which there is incompatability
between tenants and sub-tenants. It cannot be denied that considerable
domestic stress and strain can occur in these cases and that such tensions may
initiate a neurosis in a susceptible individual.