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ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Mr. A. J. Phillips, Chief Public Health Inspector, reports:
This has been the first full year of the London Borough and the Public Health
Inspectors have now become more accustomed to the different procedures required
by the changed legislation. It is regretted, however, that there is still no procedure
for dealing with urgent nuisances or the reinstatement of water supply cut off due to
defects. It is understood, however, that this may be remedied during 1967.
Offices, Shops and Railway Premises
It is pleasing to report that there has been a considerable increase in the number of
inspections made, and that good progress in the remedying of defects has taken place.
This has been made possible by a slight improvement in the number of inspectors
appointed to fill serious gaps in the establishment. Details of the visits are shown in
the following tables from which it will be seen that 1,220 registered premises received a
general inspection during the year as compared with 371 the previous year. The
inspectors found that on the whole the cleanliness of shop premises continues to
improve as is shown by the fact that in only 9 cases was there a poor standard of
cleanliness. It was surprising to find, however, that in spite of considerable publicity
189 premises were found to be without a first-aid outfit. Lack of a hot water supply
was found in 122 premises and in 60 cases the lighting and heating of premises was
not satisfactory. The number of accidents was only two less than in 1965, but again,
fortunately, these were mostly of a minor character. There was one more serious
case however, where it was necessary to institute legal proceedings.
Clean Air
One further smokeless area, Bellingham, came into existence during the year. This
brought a further 3,200 dwellings under the control of the Clean Air Act. It was
estimated that an annual tonnage of 3,000 tons of bituminous coal was to be replaced
by gas, electricity, or other smokeless fuels. Two further smoke control Orders
were made during the year which will become operative in 1967. It is hoped that the
remainder of the Borough will be dealt with by Orders during 1967.
Food
The number of persons registered for the distribution of milk showed a slight decrease,
and of the licences issued for the sale of special designations of milk it is
interesting to note an increase in sterilised and ultra heat treated milk. Samples of
milk taken during the year, except in one case, proved to be satisfactory. Of the other
samples taken, a number of offences were brought to light of incorrect labelling.
This was taken up with the wholesalers or manufacturers and subsequently rectified.
There was again a considerable number of complaints of food sold containing foreign
bodies or in an unwholesome condition and legal proceedings were instituted in
many of the cases.
Pest Control
The upward trend of complaints of rats and mice continued in 1966. The complaints
of rats were 1,040 compared with 889 and of mice 664 compared with 574 the previous
year. The increase in rats is difficult to account for but may be due to the demolition
of old properties to make way for redevelopment and the delay in sealing off of
disused drains. Infestation by mice can still be attributed to carelessness in the
storage of food, particularly in houses in multiple occupation where adequate storage
accommodation is often lacking.
Disinfection and Disinfestation
Although 789 rooms were disinfected during the year compared with 434 last year and
24,951 articles compared with 22,148, many of these were treated as a precautionary
measure after a long illness and there was no marked increase in verminous conditions.
The number of persons treated at the two cleansing stations was about the
same as the previous year. The number of persons treated for scabies, however,
rose from 309 to 446.
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