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7
the appropriate amenities and this irrespective of the security
of tenure which the occupants might hold under previous Acts.
As a result, local authorities have not felt inclined to take
action which might have the effect of allowing landlords to
determine tenancies during a time of serious housing shortage.
The Food and Drugs Act, 1955
The Food and Drugs Act, 1955 and the Food Hygiene
Regulations came into effect at the end of the year and provide
very welcome powers to supervise food handlers. They require-
that cuts or injuries be covered with a water proof dressing;
that there shall be no smoking or spitting in food premises;
that precautions shall be taken to prevent the contamination
of food;
that the wrapping of foods with newspaper shall be prohibited.
There are effective penalties and these Regulations
should make the task of the Sanitary Inspector easier. He will
endeavour to introduce improvements by education and persuasion
but failing this he will have the force of law to support him.
On the other hand there will indeed be need of additional staff
if steps are to be taken to see that all food premises in the
Borough are regularly inspected.
Atmospheric Pollution
From a public health point of view I am happy to say
that there is an increased awareness of the nuisance and indeed
ill-health caused by atmospheric pollution. This interest is
no doubt due to the Clean Air Bill which is before the House of
Commons and also the publicity given to the correlation between
smoking, a polluted atmosphere, and cancer of the lung.
The prevention of the fouling of the air is a major
Public health concern. It is possible that this will cost a
great deal of money in the way of new installations in factories,
and new heating appliances in the home, but it will be amply
repaid by improved health and in economy in maintaining our
buildings free from soot and grime.
In recent years complaints of smoke nuisance have
increased and the following smoke observations have been made
by your Inspectors:
1950 1951 1952 1951 1954 1955.
19 57 52 59 220 232