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SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA
The Public Health Inspectorate continued to be under strength. The three students who
sat the qualifying examination were successful in obtaining the diploma and were immediately
appointed as inspectors. Two of the existing inspectors retired, one senior inspector was
transferred to another section and another senior inspector obtained an appointment as Chief
Public Health Inspector in another borough. The shortage of inspectors coupled with the lack
of continuity gave rise to many problems and placed additional responsibilities upon the
senior members.
Mention was made in last year* s report of the loss of powers which resulted from the
implementation of the London Government Act, 1963. The Greater London Council (General
Powers) Act reinstated the power to deal with defective premises when unreasonable delay
would be occasioned by following the normal procedure. The Act empowered the Council to
deal quickly with defective waste water services and fittings as a result of which the water
supply had been cut off. The Act laid down that no person shall carry on the business of a
hairdresser or barber on any premises in the Borough after the appointed day - in Islington
1st January, 1968 - unless registered by the Borough Council.
In view of the importance of regulations made under the Consumer Protection Act, 1961,
the Council decided to appoint an additional General Purposes Inspector who would also be
jointly responsible for the duties under the Shops Act, 1950 and other legislation.
Public Health Inspectors played an active part in health education. Talks were given to
various groups including students, and others interested in environmental hygiene. The Chief
Public Health Inspector or his representative was a member of the health education panel.
The inspectors inspected the three main market areas in the Borough and other stalls
licensed by the Council to ascertain what was required to bring them up to the standard
required by the Pood Hygiene (Markets, Stalls and Delivery Vehicles) Regulations, 1966.
Early in the year the stallholders, with their Association representatives and other interested
persons were invited to a discussion at which the Chairman of the Environmental Health
Committee presided, supported by the Chairman of the Cleansing & Baths Committee. The meeting
was well attended and the provisions of the regulations explained. A cordial but lively
discussion ensued followed by questions and answers. Co-operation was promised in carrying
out the legislative requirements as quickly and as smoothly as possible. Models of stalls
designed to comply with the regulations were demonstrated.
It became increasingly necessary for the technical staff to perform duties outside
normal working hours, as many people were at work during the day and the only contact was
during the evenings or at weekends. The investigation of certain complaints, including
noise and smoke nuisances, the supervision of clubs and food undertakings, the transport of
meat and duties under the Shops Act 1950 required inspectors to be on duty at various times
every week.
Owing to the many immigrants living in the Borough, the language problem continued to
present difficulties. This was partly overcome by an inspector who could act as an interpreter.
His services were not only of value to the Department but also to the Court when legal action
was taken