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iv
in the matter until such time as supplies of smokeless fuel other than
coke are freely available in this area. Progress continued to be made
during the year in the control of atmospheric pollution from industrial
sources as will be seen from the report by Mr. G. Stubbs who carries
out this work.
Housing
In common with several other Central London boroughs, housing
presents special problems in Southwark. During the year further progress
was made in regard to slum clearance. Detailed consideration was given
to applications for rehousing on medical grounds but in the existing
circumstances it was only possible to arrange the rehousing of a
relatively small number of the families involved.
Old People's Welfare
The work connected with the welfare of old people continued to be
actively undertaken. Details of the efforts made to alleviate the
loneliness and improve the health and comfort of the elderly, can be
seen from the excellent 8th Annual Report of the Southwark Old People's
Welfare Committee which has been prepared by Miss Beer and which is
largely reproduced at the end of this Report. The laundry service for
incontinent persons being nursed at home also performed a valuable
function throughout the year. This work was undertaken for Lambeth
Borough Council as from the 1st May, 1959.
The highlight of the year was the decision of the Council to
purchase and adapt St. Alban's Hall (formerly St. Paul's School) Penton
Place for letting to the Southwark Old People's Welfare Committee and
other local organisations for social and recreation purposes. This
happy solution to the accommodation difficulties of the Southwark Old
People's Welfare Committee will be welcomed by all interested in the
welfare of the elderly. It is anticipated that the premises will be
available for use by the middle of 1959.
In addition to the visiting of the elderly undertaken by Miss Beer
and by voluntary workers on behalf of the Old People's Welfare Committee,
a great deal of visiting of old people was also undertaken by the
Superintendent of the Treatment and Bathing Centre as well as by the
Public Health Inspectors in general.
Visit of Members of the German Federal Parliament
Five Members of the German Federal Parliament visited this country
at the beginning of June under the auspices of the Foreign Office to
study, amongst other things, the British system of ensuring hygienic
food; at the reauest of the Ministry of Health, Southwark was selected
as tne authority to show the delegation tne day to day administration
of the food laws.
The party was welcomed by His Worship the Mayor on Thursday, 5th
June, 1958, in the presence of your Chairman. Thereafter the Chief