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34
SECTION C
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA
(In conjunction with Mr. W.C. Bartlett. Chief Public Health Inspector).
The fact that the establishment of Public Health Inspectors was under strength is
reflected in the work which it has been possible to carry out during the year under
review. This shortage particularly affected certain sections as will be observed by
reference to the statistics in this report. Although a number left the service of the
Council several were recruited and the situation by the end of the year had improved
Added to those appointed from other Authorities, one of the Students engaged in the
Department qualified and was subsequently appointed. It has not been possible to add to
the number of students receiving training in the Department due to the shortage of
Inspectors, but it is anticipated that if the present Inspectorate can be retained
student training could be increased.
It is a matter of regret that systematic inspection of property and food undertakings
including sampling could not be undertaken
With the passing of the Housing Act, 1961, it was hoped that the conditions under
which many of the residents in the Borough lived could be improved. A survey of houses
in multiple occupation is being undertaken but the Statute has proved difficult to
implement.
The Factories Act 1961 which repeals the 1937 Statute came into force in April this
year.
The London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1962 empowers inter alia a Borough
Council to serve Notices for the prevention of flooding in respect of any building not
adequately drained into a sewer by gravity at all times and under all conditions of flow.
The Council are empowered to close the building or part of it or to restrict its use if
they are satisfied that remedial works cannot be carried out at reasonable expense In
any other case they must require the carrying out of remedial works or if necessary do
the work themselves in default.
The Act also defines those refreshment houses, in respect of which the Council can
require the provisions of sanitary conveniences under the 1959 Act as meaning any
building in which food or drink is sold to and consumed by the Public. The powers of
the Council under this part of the Act have been delegated to the Public Health Committee.
During the year the Home Secretary issued -
1. The Oil Heater Regulations 1962,
2. The Poisons List Order 1962.
3. The Poisons Rules 1962.
With regard to Smoke Control areas, the Minister of Housing and Local Government
issued three circulars, i. e.
(a) Circular 3/62 in which he outlines various changes in procedure which will
make it easier for Local Authorities to carry through their Smoke Control
Programmes more quickly