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30
SECTION C
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA
(In conjunction with Mr W,C, Bartlett, Chief Public Health Inspector).
The shortage of Inspectors continued throughout the year Difficulty is still being
experienced in recruiting and retaining Public Health Inspectors in certain parts of the
Metropolitan area, as a result of which at the close of the year under review in Islington,
the number of Inspectors engaged was three less than the previous year As mentioned in
the foreword of this report, the Public Health Inspectors'Education Board revised the
syllabus and conditions of training during the year, and it is hoped that as a result more
will be attracted to take up this career
As far as possible the Inspectors coped with the situation, but the fact that no
systematic inspection of the District is able to be carried out, is a matter of regret.
As mentioned in my previous report the question of multiple occupation of houses
caused concern, and in order to obtain any approximation of the size of the problem a survey
of certain areas is very necessary With the present staff available, this is not possible,
Such properties require constant attention, and a weekly visit is certainly not too frequent
in certain instances. The power of local authorities to control such properties has been
strengthened by the Housing Act 1961, which came into force in November this year This
statute enables inter alia the Minister of Housing and Local Government to make Regulations
for governing multiple occupied houses, and it is anticipated that such Regulations will
be made in 1962,
Reference has been made in earlier reports concerning nuisances which arise from time
to time by the deposit of putrescible and other refuse on vacant land Permanent improvement
has not been possible due to the further tipping or refuse, soon after the site has been
cleared The Public quite rightly complain, but great difficulty is experienced in obtaining
the co operation of complainants who could give supporting evidence,concerning unauthorised
tipping in court. It is hoped, however, that conditions will improve for the London County
Council (General Powers) Act 1961, which came into force during the year, enables the Borough
Council subject to certain conditions, to enter any derelict, neglected or unsightly land,
which is detrimental to the amenities of the locality, and carry out such works, and do such
other things as may be expedient for the purpose of restoring or improving, and thereafter
preserving the appearance of the land
The Factories Act 1961, which was passed during the year, repeals the 1937 Statute It
is a consolidating Act, and will come into operation in April. 1962.
The Licensing Act, 1961, except as otherwise provided, came into force in November
Licensing Justices may refuse applications for the grant or renewal of licences for restaurants
or guest houses on certain grounds, including the fact that the premises in question are not
suitable and convenient for the use contemplated, having regard to their character and
condition. The Council has power to inspect, and an application may be refused by the Justices,
if the local authority has been unable to carry out such inspection.
In addition power is given to the Council to object to an application for the issue or
renewal of a Registration Certificate for any Club premises on certain grounds including the
unsuitability of the premises concerned This part of the Act comes into force on 1st March
1962
The Heating Appliances (Fireguards) Act.1952 and the Oil Burners (Standards) Act,1960,
are replaced by the Consumer Protection Act.1961. The Home Secretary may by regulation impose
requirements concerning prescribed goods, and their components, in order to prevent or reduce
death or personal injury from their use, This Statute came into operation in August. Any
regulation made under the previous Acts are still in force. It became necessary to keep a
close watch on second-hand shops selling heating appliances. Unguarded fires offered for sale
were withdrawn upon a visit by the Public Health Inspector It appears that such fires are
often sold by auction to second hand dealers, who do not realise that they are committing an
offence when offering a fire for resale It is interesting to note that one complaint was