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Included in the slum clearance programme is a considerable number of
tenement blocks.The remaining sub-standard blocks are under review,in conjunction
with the Greater London Council,to decide on improvement schemes where suitable.
New powers to require the provision of amenities to the 12-po.int standard, or
to the best reasonable standard in dwel1ings considered suitable for improvement,
would be helpful in dealing with structurally sound premises. As is obvious to
the passer-by, local authority building proceeds apace such that many erstwhile
blighted areas now begin to take on a worthier appearance. Still, much remains
to be done,and whilst derelict areas remain undeveloped the work of the department
is unnecessarily increased in attempts to maintain them nuisance (and
caravan) free.
The good work to check abuses in houses in multiple occupation continued.
A scheme for registration of these houses in the worst affected wards put
forward by Stepney Borough Council is being redrafted for the new borough in
consultation with the Ministry.
Clean Air
The whole area of Bethnal Green is now a smokeless zone. A further large
area covering parts of Poplar and Stepney districts was declared this year.
It is hoped to declare the final area in 1966/7 which will complete the clean
air programme for the whole Borough of Tower Hamlets. Following this it should
be possible to ensure by arrangement with merchants and dealers that only
approved fuels are delivered in the borough. However, atmospheric pollution
must also take into account sulphur dioxide, and other known or perhaps unknown
hazardous pollutants, so perhaps the clean air campaign has only just begun.
Staff
Apart from the teething difficulties discussed above.a reasonable complement
of staff has been recruited. The effective establishment of health visitors and
public health inspectors fluctuates in the manner to which one has grown
accustomed over the years. A greater use of ancillary workers, and technical
assistants, helps to remedy the overall shortage in these grades. Whether the
efforts of the London Boroughs Training Committee, supported by most London
boroughs, will stimulate recruitment and training of 'scarcity staff' in the
personal health and welfare services remains to be judged. One finds perhaps
an increased tendency for some grades of staff to seek work in easier areas
than the East End but of those who come, and stay awhile, most usually remain.
The attachment of health visitors to general practitioners has not been
considered practicable in an area where individual doctors draw on catchment
areas covering in some cases the whole Borough and even beyond. It would be a
wasteful deployment of staff In the present setting.Family doctors are informed
of the details, including telephone numbers of Health Visitors covering districts
in their practice areas, and increasing co-operation is being achieved. There
are plans for a "Health Centre' in a large area due for residential development
over the next few years.
5.