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intimated that there had been no general request by health authorities in the very wide area covered by the Board and they therefore
considered that the present time was not opportune for the introduction of such a measure. Later the M.B.S.J.C. decided to
approach the London County Council as the local health authority
with a view to securing the artificial fluoridation of water supplies
of the Board at an early date.
Circular 37/63 of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government suggests that when fluoridation is introduced by water undertakers in accordance with arrangements made with local health
authorities, the full cost shall be borne by the authorities concerned and that the water undertakers should satisfy the Minister
on the technical aspects of their arrangements to introduce fluoridation Moreover, the Minister hopes that water undertakers will
avail themselves of all the information and experience gained in
the "study' areas by consulting his department at an early stage
on the proposals regarding apparatus and routine control.
Scavenging and Refuse Disposal.—The collection of refuse
in the Borough is under the control of the Borough Engineer who
has kindly supplied me with the following information: —
Street Sweeping
During the year several streets have been closed in connection with comprehensive development of their surrounding areas,
but new streets have been constructed and have been adopted by
this Council so that the mileage of streets swept remains at
approximately 82. Frequency of sweeping continues as follows: —
(a) At least once daily (main roads)—25 per cent.
(b) Three times weekly—37½ per cent.
(c) Twice weekly—37½ per cent.
The latest addition to the Council's mechanical aids is a
"Johnston" Suction Cleaner/Sweeper which, as its name suggests
is a large portable vacuum cleaner having several advantages over
the old type rotary broom sweeper. Some 7½ per cent of the
mileage swept is done by this machine. The problems created
by parking of cars and lorries tend to increase still.
Sweepings during the year amounted to 1,297 tons.
There are approximately 4,500 street gullies in the Borough
which are emptied, flushed and refilled with clean water three
to four times a year. This is done entirely by mechanical means
using two 800-gallon capacity emptying and flushing vehicles.
Refuse Collection
The total weight of household refuse collected for the year
ending March. 1963 was 22,300 tons from 27,400 (average)