Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Battersea Borough]
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89
Milk-
Milk and Dairies Amendment Order, 1938 (vide page
112).
Milk (Special Designations) Amendment Order, 1938
(vide page 113).
Pharmacy and Poisons—
Poisons List (Amendment) Order, 1938.
Poisons (Amendment) Rules, 1938.
Rent Restriction Regulations, 1938, which prescribe forms
to be used in the execution of previous Acts and
Orders.
Shops Act, 1934.
The functions of Metropolitan Borough Councils under this
Act are limited to enforcement of the provisions relating to (1)
ventilation, (2) heating, and (3) sanitary accommodation.
Inspection of certain shops (principally those dealing in food
stuffs) is carried out as a routine measure, and the total number
of inspections carried out solely for the purposes of the Shops
Act amounted to 33, arising out of which 15 intimation notices
were served. These related to defective, insufficient or unsuitable—
Ventilation 1
Heating 14
Sanitary accommodation Nil
Four statutory notices were served and were duly complied
with.
Since the passing of the Act 43 certificates of exemption
from the requirements as to sanitary accommodation were granted
by the Committee, of which, however, three were not issued, owing
to change of circumstances occurring immediately. Three others
were subsequently withdrawn. Owing to altered circumstances the
Committee revoked another of such certificates in January, and
took the prescribed action (including the institution of legal proceedings)
to enforce the provision of additional accommodation.
The owner, however, in view of structural difficulties, arranged
instead for the conveniences at near-by premises to be made available
for the occupants, and the certificate of exemption was then reissued
and the summons withdrawn. There were 37 such certificates
still in force at the end of 1938.
The powers of sanitary authorities with regard to shops under
the Shop Acts, and workshops of all kinds under the Factory Act
are more or less clearly defined, but their powers in regard to offices
is by no means so apparent. The Council therefore, on an enquiry
by the Metropolitan Boroughs Standing Joint Committee, expressed
the view that it would be advantageous if specific powers to deal
with the sanitary conditions of offices could be obtained.