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ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
During 1972, despite increased work loads combined with staff shortages, the Environmental Health
Section maintained, and in some instances increased, its work output.
Assistance to the Forward Planning Team with property surveys, increased activity connected with
tenement blocks and the transfer of responsibility for the supervision of certain drainage works from the
Borough Engineer's department were among the increased duties.
The Registration Scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation was eventually confirmed and came into
operation in December. Progress continued on the inspection of areas of multiple occupation throughout
the year.
Over half the property in the Council's part of the Slum Clearance Programme 1971/75 had been
dealt with by the end of 1972.
The year showed a significant increase in the number of prosecutions to remedy deficiencies in
residential accommodation; from 70 cases in 1971 to 255 in 1972.
The general shortage of building resources has caused delays and it is hoped that the proposed
extension of the Council's labour force may enable default works to be carried out more expeditiously.
GOLD MEDAL AWARD
I am pleased to report that Mrs. Sheila Maxwell, B.Sc., public health inspector, won the Gold Medal
of the Ronald Williams Awards made annually by the Association of Public Health Inspectors to the most
outstanding student of the Year.
WATER SUPPLY
Water supplies within the area are provided by the Metropolitan Water Board. No artificial fluoride is
added to supplies which were otherwise satisfactory both as regards quality and quantity during the year.
SEWERAGE & SEWAGE DISPOSAL
No major defects or difficulties were encountered during the year arising from the Borough's sewer
system.
INSPECTION OF SCHOOL PREMISES
By arrangement with the Inner London Education Authority, the Council has agreed to carry out an
annual inspection of school premises. This is complementary to any inspections carried out by the staff of
the Medical Adviser to the Greater London Council and Inner London Education Authority. During 1971
it was decided to transfer the responsibility for this function from the medical staff to the public health
inspectorate in the special services section and since then 96 schools have been inspected up to the end of
1972.
There are 109 schools in the Borough, including voluntary aided schools, and two private schools.
Inspections are carried out with particular regard to the application of the Food Hygiene Regulations
to school kitchens or meals centres and to the adequacy of sanitary accommodation, including washing
facilities, cloakroom accommodation, changing rooms, showers, etc. The Inner London Education
Authority standards are based on the Standards for School Premises Regulations 1959. In addition,
inspectors report on the accommodation and facilities available for the medical inspection of children with
reference to the requirements for such rooms laid down by the Medical Adviser. Deficiencies which came
to light as a result of the inspections were reported to the Inner London Education Authority for attention.
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