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of food (and there are a very large number of them) of the elementary principles
of hygiene, having regard to the nature of the materials they are handling and the
fact that they are intended for human consumption.
Opinion, both medical and lay, is not unanimous on the necessity or desirability
of a Clean Food Guild, or its equivalent in every area. In any case the success of
such a Guild is dependent upon the wholehearted co-operation of the local food
traders and there is not unanimity among the food traders on this matter.
Health, including food hygiene, publicity has been increased during the year
and the Sanitary Inspectors as well as being statutory officers under the various
Acts must necessarily also be hygiene officers from the educational angle.
There was one diphtheria death in the Borough and this was of a non-immunised
child.
A scheme was approved during the year for dealing with infestation of houses
by bugs, by means of the systematic inspection of houses, in addition to treatment
after confirmation of complaint. It is hoped that the extension of such systematic
inspection, similar in principle to the block control scheme in rodent disinfestation,
and consequent treatment, will ultimately result in a very great reduction in the
number of houses infested by bugs. The application of modern insecticides makes
the virtual elimination of this type of infestation theoretically possible.
The needs of elderly persons were also further considered during the year
within the Council's limited powers. A scheme was approved to supply, through
the Islington Women's Voluntary Services, hot midday meals to old people unable
to fend for themselves. Many old people suffer from some degree of malnutrition
owing to their inability to buy or prepare food in adequate quantities, and such a
service as this is therefore truly preventive.
The Report also mentions an arrangement made in liaison with the Family
Welfare Association and the National Assistance Board for ensuring that elderly
persons who have to be cleansed, are also furnished with clean clothing and clean
bedding before returning home.
Staff sickness and inevitable difficulties in maintaining a full establishment,
both in regards to clerical and inspectorial staff, placed a heavy burden on the
remainder and I again have pleasure in expressing my thanks and indebtedness
to all members of the staff, and in particular to Mr. W. C. Bartlett, Chief Sanitary
Inspector and to the Chief Clerk, Mr. E. J. Sharp.
Many difficult problems have had to be considered by the Public Health and
Housing Committees and I must again express my thanks to the respective Chairmen
of the Committees, Councillor Mrs. F. H. Cantwell, J.P. and Councillor D. McArthurJackson,
J.P.
V. FREEMAN,
Medical Officer of Health.