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74
consider the question of dealing with insanitary areas, which
it is equally their duty to do in connection with their proposed
Outline Scheme.
A list of the available sites tor building has been submitted
with my previous report, together with a rough estimate
of the approximate number of working-class dwellings which
might be erected thereon. These sites have since been inspected
by the Housing Sub-Committee, and the Borough Surveyor
will be able to furnish the necessary details as to the extent,
suitability, and building potentialities of these sites.
It is probable that at least 200 working-class dwellings
might be erected on land remaining in the Borough which may
be available for building purposes. The provision of even
this number of working-class dwellings would greatly assist
and expedite the task of the Council in dealing with insanitary
areas of the Borough, which, in my opinion, might with advantage
be undertaken as an urgent and necessary part of this
proposed Outline Scheme.
In submitting the Outline Scheme in relation to the provision
of new houses, it will be necessary to show the
approximate number and nature of the houses to be erected
and the locality of the land to be acquired, the average number
of houses per acre, and the time in which the scheme or part
of it is to be complete.
INSANITARY AREAS.
Under Parts I. and II. of the Housing Act, 1890, powers
are given to the Council to deal with insanitary areas:—
fa) By the clearance or reconstruction of large unhealthy
areas (Part I.).
(b) By the improvement or demolition of unfit houses,
the demolition of obstructive buildings, and the clearance
or reconstruction of small unhealthy areas (Part II.).
(c) By the provision of new houses for the workingclasses
(Part III.), now made obligatory, where necessary,
under the new Housing Act.
It is the duty of the Medical Officer of Health to draw
the attention of the Council as Local Authority to unhealthy
areas or to unfit dwelling-houses, and the Council, if satisfied
that an area is unhealthy and if they possess sufficient
resources, are required to carry out an improvement scheme
and to provide for the rehousing of the dispossessed tenants,
and, in the case of unfit dwellings, to make a closing order
if satisfied that they are unfit for human habitation.