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In each case the precise medical condition and resultant disability
were determined (frequently necessitating communication with the family
doctor or with the hospital attended). Investigations concerning the
present housing circumstances of the applicants were made by the public
health inspectors. Their detailed reports included a reference to the
extent and nature of existing premises, and its adequacy for the number
of persons accommodated; the sanitary and structural conditions; the
risk of infection; and the existence of inconveniences, such as stairs,
which might be prejudicial to the patient.
On this information an assessment was made of the degree of priority
merited on medical grounds.
The Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963
This Act received the Royal Assent on 31st July, 1963. Provisions
relating to registration of premises came into operation on 1st May, 1964,
but the majority of the provisions operated from 1st August, 1964. In
certain instances statutory regulations made by the Government came
into force during 1965.
The Act contains provisions for securing the health, safety and welfare
of persons employed in offices, shops and railway premises. The duty of
enforcing the Act has been placed on local authorities in regard to the
majority of the provisions, on fire authorities (in London the London
County Council) in relation to fire precautions and upon H.M. Inspector
of Factories in respect of the remaining provisions. In certain types of
premises such as Crown Properties, Fire and Police, Education, and
premises occupied by local authorities, the provisions will be dealt with
by the Factory Inspector.
The Council's duties under the Act were referred to the Public
Health Committee and in January, 1963, the establishment of the Public
Health Department was increased by four posts of public health inspector
to help undertake inspections necessitated by this Act. Unfortunately,
it was not possible during 1964 to fill all four posts and for much of the
year only two public health inspectors could be spared for this new
work. The clerical establishment was increased by one post of administrative
assistant and one shorthand typist to undertake work entailed by the
many thousands of registration forms received.
The Act contains the following general requirements for dealing with
conditions in offices, shops and railway premises:
Cleanliness
Overcrowding
Temperature
Ventilation
Lighting
Sanitary conveniences
Washing facilities