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use only as a rodenticide in specific locations, for example, sewers, by employees of
the authorities or persons carrying on a business of pest control. A full report was
made to the Public Health Committee regarding control of the stocks of
fluoroacetamide in the department, protective precautions taken by the staff, and the
instruction of the staff in the use and possible risks of fluoroacetamide, and the
precautions taken in the laying of bait.
The substantial number of immigrants in the borough necessitates consideration
in a new context of many matters which may be brought to the Health Department. For
example, with certain immigrant groups e.g. Turkish or Greek Cypriots and Pakistanis,
the language problem may present certain difficulties. However, the Inspectors often
find that where families have been in this country for some years, the children are
able to speak English quite well and if old enough, may be a considerable help in
assisting their parents to understand what is required to comply with the Council's
requirements in their respective cases.
Having regard to the fact that immigrants vary in their recognition of social
life and good relations with neighbours, either in the same house or in the same
street, cases of difficulty are bound to arise. Overcrowding occurs in a number of
instances, but the families concerned are afraid to complain because of possible
eviction. Some landlords increase the rent where children are accommodated and this
fact affects immigrants to a very high degree.
There is an impression among the staff concerned that during the year, more
complaints were received from immigrants than previously and they appeared to have
increasing regard for the public health staff as available to assist them in the same
way as other tenants. In this connection, the Council's Welfare Officer for immigrants
who took up his appointment during the year (also referred to inSection F) has been of
considerable assistance to the Public Health Inspectors in the implementation of their
duties.
It has also been the experience that a very considerable number of residents are
out during normal working hours, so that it has not been easy to complete inspections
of houses in multiple occupation, in particular, without recourse to evening visits.
Such visits and also week-end visits have been increased.
Summary of Work done by District Public Health Inspectors
(i) Inspections
Houses/flats inspected under Public Health (London)Act, 1936
Separate lettings
Revisits Houses/flats
Separate lettings
(ii) Other inspections and visits
Miscellaneous
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949
Infectious Diseases
National Assistance Acts, 1948 and 19.51 (Aged & Infirm)
Factories Act, 1961 - Outworkers
Pet Animals Act, 1951
Consumer Protection Act, 1961, and Regulations
Noise Nuisances
28
5,920
12,088
15,211
33, 820
7,217
153
327
116
64
23
16
123