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and course of whooping cough have been greatly modified and the incidence of the
disease reduced.
Housing and Slum Clearance
The Rent Act has had the effect of encouraging owners to maintain their property
in an improved condition and much has been done regarding the remedying of defects.
The effect of this has been that properties which otherwise have been ripening for
clearance and development have been improved in many instances. There are few
properties of the pre-war slum standard left in Fulham and it is pleasing to report
that the joint 1951/60 slum clearance programme, agreed between the London County
Council and Fulham Borough Council has been completed with one exception. The future
position will be carefully reviewed at the time of the joint discussions with the
London County Council to formulate the 1961/65 programme.
Clean Air
The Council continued its policy of implementation of the Clean Air Act,
especially with regard to Smoke Control Areas, in their determination to make the air
of Fulham clean as quickly as possible. This subject is dealt with fully in the
main report. In this connection, I would like to record the good co operation by the
public in the matter of clean air - as in other public health matters - and this
co-operation is facilitating the creation of smoke control areas.
Food Hygiene
One big food hygiene problem in the Borough is the large number of small cafes
and restaurants, which have considerably increased the number of their customers. In
many cases, where the accommodation was cramped or inadequate, it has required
practical and thoughtful planning to get improved kitchen storage and other accommodation
to meet this increase in the number of customers. Standards are improving.
Proprietors, by persuasion or otherwise, are encouraged to make improvements to install
up-to date equipment and to modernise their establishments. Food hygiene education
is quietly and steadily continuing and is beginning to bear fruit. Much has been
done but much remains to be done. Persuasion and good relationships pay. Emphasis
is now on the personal hygiene of the food handler and his reactions and co-operation
in carrying out the Food Hygiene Regulations.
In this report I would like to record my thanks for the co-operation, kindness
and help always extended to me in the service of the Borough by general practitioners,
by medical colleagues in hospitals, by the London County Council Divisional Office and
by all the Voluntary Associations who are doing such good work in the Borough.
I should also like to extend my thanks to all members of the Council, particularly
the Chairmen of the Committees with which I have served, and to the Town Clerk and
other Chief Officers and colleagues for their unfailing assistance and co operation.
Finally, I would like to record my thanks and appreciation to my Deputy, the
Chief Public Health Inspector, the Chief Clerk, my Secretary, and to all members of
the Public Health "team" for their loyalty, efficiency and consideration, which has
made possible the work of the department.
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,