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Pared, should at all times be kept in a cleanly condition and should be
suitable for the purposes for which they are used, but there is doubt
the greatest danger of infection is likely to arise from the persons
handling the food. Much educational work is required to be done to
educate employers and employees in this matter of food hygiene an
in the grave consequences that may result if the elementary rules of
hygiene and personal cleanliness are not observed.
The Council, very much concerned with this problem, issued during
the year a Code of Standards for Catering Establishments, a copy of
which is appended to this report.
Old People.
The question of the care of aged and infirm people has become a
matter of importance and concern during recent years due, in part, to
the realisation of the fact that the proportion of old people in the
Population is increasing and is likely to increase considerably in future
years. The Battersea Old People's Welfare Committee, composed of
representatives of the Council, of various voluntary organisations and
of other interested persons throughout the Borough, has, for some time
operated the " Meals on Wheels " service to provide hot mid-day meals
to aged people who are either bed-ridden or are confined to their homes.
The meals are obtained from the London County Council Restaurant.
Latchmere Road, and are sold to the old people at a charge of 8d.
During 1949, one van operated on this service and the cost of distribution
was £200, towards which the Borough Council made a grant. of
£150. During the current year, a further van has been added and
the Council has agreed to make a further contribution of £150. This
service has been much appreciated by the old people, and, part at
least, supplies a very crying need.
Housing.
As in the previous year, much of the work of the Sanitary
Inspectors was concerned with the investigation of complaints of
sanitary defects in houses in the Borough and in the main action has
been taken, where necessary, under the Public Health (London)Act,
1936. 2,933 houses were dealt with in this connection during the
year. In appropriate cases, informal and formal action was taken
under Section 9 of the Housing Act', 1936.
Co-operation continued with the Council's housing Department
in connection with recommendations for rehousing on medical grounds
and in other ways. Many investigations are also made at the request
of the London County Council where applicants for rehousing on their
estates, allege that they are living in overcrowded or insanitary conditions
I wish to thank the Mayor and Members of the Borough Council,
and more particularly, the Chairmen and Members of Health and
Housing Committees, for the continued encouragement and support
which I have received from them during the year I gratefully
acknowledge also the help I have received from the Chief Oficer of
the Council and the assistance and loyal service always readily rendered
by the whole of the staff of the Public Health Department.
I have the honour to be, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
(Signed) G. MACDONALD,
Medical Officer of Health.