§ 50. Mr. WESTasked the Minister of Health how many houses were flooded by sewage in Kensington during the years 1929 and 1930; how many of these houses have been supplied with flood-proof floors; and whether any compensation has been made to the tenants?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI have made inquiry and am informed that no houses in Kensington were flooded by sewage in the year 1929. On 17th June, 1930, an exceptionally heavy storm caused flooding of about 178 basement dwellings in that borough. Information is not available as to the number of these dwellings in which flood-proof floors have been provided. The borough council have no power to compel provision. It does not appear that any compensation has been made to the tenants.
§ Mr. WESTDoes the Minister of Health consider that the flooding of these houses has some connection with the fact that rheumatism in the northern part of the borough of Kensington—that is the poorer part—is greater than in the southern part by 800 per cent.?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThat may be due to the fact that there are more basement dwellings there, unfortunately.