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SECTION C
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA
(In conjunction with Mr. W.C. Bartlett, Chief Public Health Inspector)
The work of the department was restricted during the year by the impending merger
between Islington and Pinsbury to form the new London Borough of Islington on the 1st
April, 1965. This fact had an over-shadowing effect, because of the uncertainties the
position created in regard to staff and duties.
The establishment of Public Health Inspectors was still under strength, there
being eight vacancies at the end of the year. Repeated advertisements did not attract
candidates and the deficiency was increased at the end of the year.
The most important new item of legislation which affected the department and
became operative during the year was the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act,
1963. The Council approved the appointment of an additional Senior Public Health
Inspector and two Technical Assistants to carry out duties under the Act. Some of the
responsibilities, especially in regard to safety precautions and machine guards,
constitute functions new to the department. Fortunately, the staff recommended by the
Council were recruited and although the Act was in force for only part of the year,
the details of the work done as set out on page 44 and as reported to the Minister of
Labour amounted to a very considerable volume. Prom the findings of the inspections
done under the Act, it is apparent that it was a very necessary measure. Considerable
improvements in safety and working conditions have already been effected and much more
is likely to follow.
In spite of staff difficulties, there was a very considerable increase in the
number of summonses taken under the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, listed in detail
on page 31.
A number of complaints of noise has necessitated Inspectors carrying out all
night duty. It is usual for two Inspectors to carry out this duty commencing at about
9 p.m. and completing the duty between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. The matters which received
attention included complaints of noise, the inspection of clubs and refreshment
houses, food factories which wark on shifts and the supervision of early delivery of
milk.
The quinquennial inspection of basement bakehouses required under the Factories
Act, 1961, was completed and any necessary repairs carried out to comply with the
Council's requirements. Certificates of suitability were, therefore, continued upon
the satisfactory completion of the work.
On 1st January, the provisions of the City of London (Various Powers) Act, 1963,
came into operation in regard to the Metropolitan Cattle Market. As a result, the
abattoirs and the market ceased to operate and the remaining offensive trades re-sited
outside the Borough.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Pood, in a circular letter in February
1964, drew attention to the Poisons Rules 1964, which restricted the sale of
fluoroacetamide in the same manner as certain other poisons. The effect will be that
in future, it will be obtainable only on a certificate from the Medical Officer of
Health of the Local Health Authority or a duly authorised officer of the Ministry for
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