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5
with a view to preventing their deterioration socially to the
point where steps would have to be taken for their removal to
hospital or a home. The officer appointed, who is a state
registered nurse took up her duties on 7th August and a report
of her work is to be found in the body of the report.
The office of the Lambeth Old People's Welfare Association
moved during the year to the Town Hall and is now adjoining the
Public Health Department. Thisleads to quicker andbetter contact
between the department and the Association.
Both clean food and clean air have been the subject of
legislation during the year. On January 1st, the Pood and Drugs
Act, 1955 and some of the POod Hygiene Regulations 1955, came
into force. The remainder of the Regulations - dealing mainly
with structural matters were operative from July 1st-
The Clean Air Act received Royal Assent on5th July, andcertain
sections, notably those dealing with smoke control areas and
installation of new furnaces became operative as from the 31st
December.
On 2nd August, 1956, the Sanitary Inspectors (Change of
Designation) Act, 1956 became operative. Under this the
Inspectors will henceforth be known as Public Health
Inspectors At the end of the year the inspectorial staff was
still two below the establishment of nineteen. There were also
vacancies on the clerical staff.
These shortages of necessity meant more work for the existing
staff and I would like to express my thanks to all the staff for
the way in which they have cheerfully carried out the extra
duti es,
I am pleased to express my gratitude to the Chief Officers of
the Council for their help and consideration and to thank the
Public Health Committee and other members of the Council for
their assistance and understanding during my first year of office
as your Medical Officer of Health,
I am, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant.
J. Semmur.
Medical ofticer of Health
July, 1957