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Throughout the year, the Public Analyst (Mr. Thomas McLachlan)
examined and reported upon 301 samples of food all of which were submitted
informally, and in 14 cases (4.6%) he advised that adulteration
had been found or special comment was necessary. Each case was
investigated and reported to the Public Health and Baths Committee,
appropriate action being taken where necessary. 15 complaints from
residents were brought to the attention of the Public Health Department
concerning the sale of foods which were not of a satisfactory nature.
In two instances successful legal proceedings were instituted and the
defendants, who pleaded guilty to the offences, were fined £5. 0. 0. in
each case, plus costs. I would like to take this opportunity to
express my appreciation and thanks to Mr. McLachlan for the valuable
work he has undertaken as Public Analyst to the Borough of Chelsea
during past years, and for the co-operation and assistance which he has
so readily given me at all times.
The many and varied tasks of the Public Health Inspectors
concerned with the supervision of environmental conditions within the
Borough continued to be dealt with in a keen and energetic manner,
and a great deal of attention was given to plumbing and drainage works,
the inspection and supervision of food shops and catering establishments,
and the investigation of noise complaints. Steady progress has
continued regarding the establishment of smoke control areas, and the
Council's third Order comprising the Cheyne and Royal Hospital Wards was
confirmed by the Minister of Housing and Local Government on 13th
October, 1964, and became operative on the 1st July, 1965.
The officers of the Public Health Department continued to show a
keen interest in dealing with the care of old people, and the Social
Worker undertook some 1,467 routine visits throughout the year. In
addition, special visits were made by the Public Health Inspectors at
the request of the Social Worker and other voluntary workers to check
on living conditions and to give advice on various problems. A happy
relationship exists between the Council's officers and the local
voluntary organisations, and I am grateful for the close co-operation
which has always been forthcoming from the Old People's Welfare
Committee.
During December, the Borough Council supported the London
County Council in its autumn campaign alerting the public to the danger
to children from the use or misuse of oil heaters. In this connection,
a specially designed leaflet supplied free by the County Council was
distributed to the Borough Council's housing estates and other groups
of dwellings. As an additional measure, all local traders retailing
paraffin were approached, and they agreed to co-operate by issuing to
every customer a copy of the County Council's leaflet, together with
a copy of a further leaflet supplied by the Oil Appliance Manufacturers'
Association, giving simple instructions on the use of oil heaters.
Although the extent of this campaign was fairly limited it is hoped
that it will have resulted in many parents becoming more aware of their
responsibilities to ensure that oil heaters comply with present day
safety standards.
The Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963, makes
provision for the Council to register, with certain exceptions, all
offices and shops within its area, and the Council is also responsible
for enforcing the provisions for securing the health, safety and welfare