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Pollution of the Atmosphere
The original provisions of the Clean Air Act, 1956, required local authorities
to submit to the Minister in considerable detail estimated and final costs of adapting
and replacing fireplaces in privately owned dwellings, since such costs have to be
approved by the Ministry which bears 40% of the expenditure. During the year, the
Minister approved a welcome revised simplified form which greatly reduced administrative
requirements and the clerical work on smoke control costings. The Minister also drew
attention to solid fuel storage problems, with particular reference in local authority
housing. Restricted storage space means that householders are unable to take reasonable
advantage of cheaper summer fuel prices. Local authorities were requested to pay
particular attention to such storage space which may be required for solid fuel in the
plans for new dwellings.
Considerable progress was made during the year with the extension of smoke control
areas. Six Smoke Control Orders came into operation, and two were confirmed by the
Minister.
Supervision of Food and Food Hygiene
Several new regulations came into operation during the year, strengthening control
measures. A number of night inspections were carried out by public health inspectors
who paid particular attention to Food and Drugs Act requirements in such premises as
refreshment houses and clubs, and also inspected in connection with the transit of meat
and milk deliveries to retailers. Food complaints brought to the notice of the Department
were again considerable and varied, as may be seen by reference to this Section of the
Report. The Report also mentions two instances involving ritual slaughter of animals in
private houses. It is hoped that such practices in the circumstances set out can be
strongly discouraged. It is regretted that due to staff difficulties during the year,
food inspections and food sampling could not be carried out to the extent thought
desirable. In spite of the personnel problem, however, the Report lists a number of
cases in which successful legal action was taken in respect of either food or food
premises.
Elderly Persons
An important measure in 1962 was the passing of the National Assistance Act, 1948
(Amendment) Act which now permits local authorities to make arrangements for recreation
and meals for old people, either directly or through voluntary organisations as agencies
Local authorities were hitherto restricted to giving assistance to voluntary bodies. Whilst
a good deal of most valuable voluntary work is done which is of considerable help to
elderly persons, there are limitations to the amount of voluntary help which is available.
The new Act, it is hoped, will permit additions to the services which will amplify and
extend existing help.
Among the Department's own activities are the arrangements for the cleansing and
bathing of elderly persons, both in their own homes for those who are unable to leave their
accommodation and for others at the Treatment Centre, Seven Sisters Road, The Council
approved a modernisation scheme for the Centre on which work commenced during the year.
Special fitments,shower compartments and other additions should greatly ease the work in
connection with the bathing of elderly persons, both for the persons themselves and for
the attendants. The Report also, as usual, gives some details of personal problems which
may, unfortunately, be encountered with some elderly persons and the means which had to
be taken either compulsorily or in other cases with persuasion, help, liaison with
interested persons and statutory bodies, in order to obtain some improvement in
circumstances and give more ease to the final years.
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