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A most satisfactory feature of the staff position concerning public health inspectors and
technical assistants during the year was that there have been few resignations which, coupled
with the continued appointment of new inspectors referred to in last year's report, has resulted
in a steady and sustained increase towards full establishment. That this has been achieved at
a time when there is still a national shortage of inspectors, and the Inner London Boroughs in
particular are suffering in this direction, is particularly encouraging and there are indications that
we can look forward to a period of greater staff stability.
The senior public health inspector personnel remained constant and the combined experience
and knowledge of these officers has been invaluable.
There is an increasing awareness of the role of the public health inspector in the public relations
field and this has particular relevance in the City of Westminster. Of all local authority officers,
the public health inspector is the one principally engaged in giving advice to all sections of the
community on many varied matters in their homes or at their place of business. A legal power
of entry to premises has been provided but it is a tribute to inspectors and a reflection on the
relationship established by them with the general public that very rarely indeed has this power
to be invoked. The administration of public health law and the interpretation of City Council
policies within the framework of existing health and housing legislation are considerable
responsibilities and, as far as the public health inspectors are concerned, a correct method of
approach and the mutual respect this produces are of no less importance than the actual advice
given. A notable example of where the public health officer needs to be particularly tactful and
show a sympathetic understanding is when interviewing persons involved in alleged harassment
in contravention of Section 30 of the Rent Act, 1965.
During the year, the North Westminster study report was approved by the City Council. This
fact, among others, made it opportune thoroughly to re-examine and re-arrange the work of the
public health inspectors in the City. In particular, the specialist Housing Section was strengthened
so as to be better equipped to deal adequately with the particular aspects of this side of the public
health inspectors' work that the experience gained during two years of amalgamation has shewn
to be necessary, and also to be able to make a significant contribution to the implementation
of the recommendations of the North Westminster Study.
The Food Section Inspectorate was also augmented and reorganised in the light of current
needs and the work of the specialist inspectors is dealt with in this Report. This has increased
during the year, particularly in respect of its consumer protection service and its advisory service
to the trade. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food used to provide an advisory service
through the Food Standards and Labelling Division to assist manufacturers in the correct labelling
of their products. On disbandment of this service several years ago, advice was sought from an
authoritative source in the Middlesex County Council, but this ceased to be available when the
London Boroughs came into being in 1965. In consequence there has been an increase in the
number of this type of enquiry received in the Department and good relations with food manufacturers,
wholesalers and retailers result from contacts so established. The information supplied
is, of course, purely for guidance, and an authoritative interpretation of the Statutes must rest
with the Court. The new Labelling of Food Regulations, which were laid before Parliament on
the 21st December, 1967, and which will take effect in 1971, will shortly be published. The
Regulations contain many additional provisions to the 1953 Order at present in force, and those
seeking advice in future will undoubtedly wish to be aware of these new requirements in order
that any labelling envisaged will comply at the outset.
The matters dealt with specifically in this Report are representative of the overall environmental
health work of the Department. There is one which perhaps justifies particular mention at this
time and which since the War has caused most urban authorities some concern, namely, the