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The three infections which have increased since the war contrary to the general
tendency, i.e. dysentery, whooping cough, and poliomyelitis, were also in considerable
evidence in 1955. Although the dysentery cases were less than half the number in
the previous year there were still over 400. Good standards of hygiene and cleansing
in the home which, it is appreciated, may be difficult when there are two, three, or
four families in a house, with shared water closet and water supply, and no running
warm water, would reduce the number of dysentery cases. Food poisoning outbreaks,
unfortunately, increased during the year and brief descriptions of the outbreaks are
mentioned in the Report.
1955, unfortunately, must be regarded as a poliomyelitis year; although the
early cases were very mild and sometimes extremely difficult to diagnose as definite
poliomyelitis cases, the later ones were more severe in type.
In my last report I had again to refer to the very considerable and serious
deficiency of Sanitary Inspectors on the establishment. This deficiency unfortunately
continued throughout the year, and the only favourable circumstance which can be
reported in this connection is that, at any rate, the position did not deteriorate still
further. It is regretted that, under these circumstances, many complaints and visits
of inspection could not be dealt with as expeditiously as is desirable, and the
Department greatly regrets any delay or inconvenience which may thereby be caused
to members of the public. The local deficiency of Sanitary Inspectors is part of the
National deficiency, but it is undoubtedly felt more acutely in areas of old housing
than in districts where development has been much more recent.
The new legislation referred to in the body of the Report which should be
helpful in remedying defects and maintaining standards of hygiene, included matters
relating to a more expeditious procedure for the remedying of stopped up or
defective drains, and reinstatement of a water-supply, as well as dealing with defective
housing ; and also for the first time bringing hairdressers' and barbers' shops within
the purview of statutory supervision.
The Clean Air Bill was under discussion during the year and although it has
now become an Act, it will probably be some considerable time before the effects of
its legislation can contribute to a sizeable reduction in atmospheric pollution.
However, it is hoped that a foundation has been laid for progress to be made in the
future.
In the field of housing, which is probably the greatest single social problem in
this Borough, the joint proposals of the Borough Council and the London County
Council, as required under the Housing Repairs and Rents Act, 1954, were submitted
to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. As mentioned, however, in the
Report, it was not possible to complete the survey within the time, that is, by 30th
August, 1955, and it is certain that supplementary proposals will have to be
considered. However, even in the proposals already submitted it was recommended
that in all a total of 834 houses were ripe for demolition within the first five years,
and this first instalment will be a most formidable task, particularly in respect of the
re-housing of displaced occupants by both Housing Authorities concerned.
Health Education is regarded by the Committee, and rightly so, as one of its
most important functions. Although a good deal of work is done regularly in
connection with the showing of health films, health talks, and the distribution of
health publicity matter, the Committee considered during the year the extension of