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generally quite unsuitable with regard to experience and qualification to
undertake the work involved. As a result, a further effort was made to
secure public health inspectors and, by the end of 1963, it was possible to
assign four inspectors to this works, together with the clerical staff
referred to. The full establishment of six public health inspectors was
reached early in 1964.
Two public health inspectors had been engaged on the preliminary
work for some time prior to the completion of the office accommodation and
inspections had commenced. A system was devised to deal with the house-tohouse
inspection, reports preparation and service of all necessary notices
for when it was eventually possible to commence the operation on a full scale.
The procedure involved under the Act of 1961 is complicated and calls for
very close liaison between the officers of the Town Clerk's and Medical
Officer of Health's Departments.
It was decided that the purpose of the inspections should be
threefold:-
(i) to secure, under Section 12 of the Housing Act, 1961,
the satisfactory management of all premises in multiple
occupation;
(ii) to obtain the installation of satisfactory sanitary
facilities and amenities under Section 15 of the Housing
Act, 1961, to comply with the standards made by the
Council; and
(iii) to secure the repair of houses under Section 9 of the
Housing Act, 1957.
Problems Encountered
In the administration of new legislation of this nature it is
inevitable that difficulties should be encountered. The largest single
problem which has been met in this work is the element of delay. This has
been experienced at all stages of the procedure, of which the following
are examples:-
(a) When endeavouring to obtain details of persons interested in
the premises, undue delay has been caused by owners in the
time taken to reply to the enquiry. This information is
essential before any notices can be served.
(b) A lack of co-operation by owners and tenants has been met in
gaining access to some premises.
(c) Delay brought about by the administrative procedure
necessary in making a management order.
(d) Various methods adopted by recalcitrant landlords to avoid
or delay executing the necessary works®
(e) Changes of ownership.
(f) Changes of occupier and the method of letting a house.
(g) Slow progress by builders in executing work. This has been
brought about mainly by the insufficiency of builders
willing and able to undertake this type of work.
(h) Delay by landlords proceeding with works at a very slow pace
and by this action preventing the Council from executing the
work in default.