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ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Mr. A. J. Phillips, M.A.P.H.I., Chief Public Health Inspector
During 1968 a more comprehensive record of visits paid by the health inspectors
and technical assistants has been kept and a total of over 42,000 inspections was
recorded. Of this number over 30,000 visits were made to dwelling houses for various
reasons which are set out in the table. This shows the very wide field covered today
by the health inspectors.
Housing
14 further clearance areas involving 175 properties and 476 persons were dealt with
during the year, a considerable increase compared with 1967. There was a rise in the
number of Closing Orders made and this was accounted for by the effect of the
flooding in September of houses in the Lewisham area where it was necessary to
rehouse some of the occupants. The work of dealing with houses in multiple occupation
continued at a satisfactory rate and again emphasis was placed on the fire prevention
requirements. There was an increase in both discretionary and standard grants during
1968. It is hoped however that new legislation will help to make a very considerable
increase in the improvement of existing houses.
Public Health Acts
There was a slight increase in both the formal and informal notices served under the
Public Health Acts, 1936 and 1961 although it will be noted in the detail of repairs
carried out that the figures are a little less than the previous year. The principal
defects were again roofs, gutters, floors, dampness and wall and ceiling plaster.
Food
There was an increase in the tonnage at the Continental Depot and a number of
samples were found to be incorrectly or insufficiently labelled and this was brought
to the notice of the countries concerned. Samples submitted to the public analyst
showed less than 5% to be non genuine and most of these related to labelling offences
which were rectified after contact with the manufacturers. An increase in the number
of bacteriological samples was possible during the year, a total of 160 being submitted
for examination. It is pleasing to note that in only two cases was there an adverse
report.
Atmospheric Pollution
The Bell Green Area involving 4,208 properties came into operation during 1968.
There remain only two redevelopment areas not covered by smoke control orders and
properties in these areas are being vacated at a steady rate. Complaints relating to
pollution from factories and other sources have been investigated and steps taken to
reduce this pollution. Guidance in relation to the height and construction of chimneys
was given in a number of cases where new installations were involved.
Offices and Shops
The figures show a slight increase in the number of premises registered and receiving
a general inspection. There was also a slight increase in the number of persons
employed. It is regretted that it was necessary to institute legal proceedings in the
case of one serious accident. It is surprising to note that the number of cases where
there was no proper first-aid box or a thermometer shows no reduction.
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