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135
Because of the large amount of old property, mainly in the northern
part of the borough, much of it in multiple occupation by an immigrant
or transitory population, it was decided to promote another campaign on
the same lines in 1966. Indeed, it seems inevitable that this will be
necessary for some years to come. The Chairman of the Health Committee
wrote to the local newspapers warning residents about the dangers which
may arise from the use of unguarded oil heaters, and urging them to check
carefully any heater they intended to use before the advent of cold
winter weather. The new Regulations recently issued-mainly in response
to representations made by local authorities, (the Oil Heaters
Regulations, 1966)-were also mentioned. These Regulations, which
became operative in June, 1966, prescribe requirements regarding
construction, design and performance of heaters and emphasis was laid
upon the fact that they apply to all heaters offered for sale,
irrespective of their date of manufacture.
I also wrote to all persons and businesses in the borough concerned
with the sale of oil heaters, drawing their attention to the new
Regulations. These comprised five department stores, thirty-seven
retail shops (sixteen in north Kensington), six retailers of second-hand
articles (five in north Kensington) and fifty-five stall-holders. This
letter stressed the grave risk of fatal accidents caused by the careless
use of oil heaters, particularly those in a condition which does not
comply with the Regulation and sought co-operation in ensuring that
such heaters are not offered for sale. I also expressed my opinion that
the sale of second-hand heaters should be restricted to those which have
been returned to the manufacturers for modification and carry a
guarantee of compliance. No doubt was left that the Council will take
stringent action to ensure adherence to the Regulations. Comprehensive
observation was subsequently made by public health inspectors throughout
the borough, particularly in the Portobello Market, and it is of
interest that not a single second-hand oil heater was found exposed for
sale.
The campaign was carried into practical effect with an exhibition
held for two days at the Rayraede Welfare Centre, 240 Ladbroke Grove,
W.10. This exhibition was similar to that last year at the Lancaster
Road Welfare Centre and, once again, an area of high fire risk was
chosen. The Chamber of Commerce assisted by publicising the campaign,
and retailers kindly lent equipment for use at the exhibition.
Exhibits and photographs were made available through the co-operation
of the London Fire Brigade and the Oil Appliance Manufacturers*
Association. The pupils of the Cardinal Manning Girls* School painted
murals and posters commemorating the tercentenary of the Great Fire of
London and depicting ways in which fire may cause danger to life and
property. The exhibition was attended by parties from schools and by
the general public.
Health Education in Schools.
Reference has been made earlier in this report to a meeting held
on 28th February, 1966, on the day care of children. At the meeting
the view was strongly expressed that parentcraft teaching to schoolchildren
and young adults-as the parents of the future generationprovided
the only really satisfactory, if long-term, solution and it
was left that I would pursue this with the Inner London Education
Authority with the object of contacting heads of schools and youth
leaders to find means to give this effect.
As a result, on 17th November, 1966, another meeting was held,
under the Chairmanship of the Headmistress of the Cardinal Manning
Girls* School, of head teachers of primary and secondary schools in
the borough, attended also by officers of my department to discuss