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12
SANITARY INSPECTION
General.
The total number of primary inspections decreased from 6,305 in 1956
to 5,907. The number of complaints was again reduced from 1,665 to
1,283—and although we lost two Public Health Inspectors during the year,
one from retirement and one to another Metropolitan Borough, the
Inspectors were able to carry out routine duties and to cope with the
sudden increase of work due to the coming into force of the Rent Act,
1957.
Defects found were dealt with under the Public Health (London) Act,
the London County Council (General Powers) Acts and the London
County Conncil Bye-Laws.
Offensive Trade
The sole remaining factory in the Borough classed as an Offensive Trade
closed at the end of October, and has now been demolished.
Clean Air Act, 1956
It was not necessary to undertake legal proceedings or any action other
than informal during the year.
A station for measuring atmospheric pollution is set up in the Public
Health Department building, and results and details are sent to the Fuel
Research Station at Greenwich.
The Council approved a proposal to make a small Smoke Control
Area in the S.W. corner of the Borough, and abutting on the Boroughs
of Camberwell and Lewisham. The area is approximately 43.5 acres and
consists of 678 houses, 78 flats, 8 shops and one school. A pilot survey
was carried out in order to obtain a rough assessment of the fuel requirements.
Further action will be undertaken in 1958.
Rodent Control
One Rodent Supervisor and two operators were employed throughout
the year under the general direction of the Chief Public Health Inspector,
and the following tables summarise the work carried out:—