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47
WORK OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTORS
W. Haworth, F.A.P.H.I.
Chief Public Health Inspector.
I have the honour to submit a report on the work of the Public Health
Inspectors for the year 1967.
At the time of writing, we are in the process of settling down in new
office accommodation in Taberner House, which after an initial period will,
no doubt, prove a vast improvement on the accommodation in Wellesley Road
and. provide working conditions much more in line with modern concept and
statutory requirements.
Housing work continued to play a prominent part in the activities of the
Section. The Compulsory Purchase Order made under Part III of the Housing
Act 1957 in respect of unfit houses and property adjoining in the Handcroft
Road area and consisting in all of 79 properties, was confirmed by the
Minister of Housing and Local Government with minor modifications after
a Public Inquiry. Confirmation of a further Compulsory Purchase Order made
later under Part V of the Act in respect of properties in the same area now
leaves the way open for comprehensive re-development of a part of the
Borough in urgent need of this type of treatment. Much time and effort were
applied to the problem of obtaining compliance with notices served in respect
of houses in multiple occupation and as a result of pressures brought
to bear, either by carrying out work in default through the Housing Manager,
legal proceedings or otherwise, quite good progress has been made.
In spite of economic pressures the Council has continued to implement
its long term policy of attaining in due course a smoke controlled borough.
No. 10 Smoke Control Order was made in December 1967 and has since been
confirmed by the Ministry with a minor amendment. The effects of smoke control
are becoming increasingly obvious, for not only can we see the improvement,
but statistics confirm the downward trend in air pollution, both in the
dramatic decrease in smoke levels and to a lesser extent in sulphur dioxide
concentration.
The problem of recruiting public health inspectors is one that is causing
some concern at the present time and it is significant to report that in spite
of repeated advertisements no appointment of a public health inspector has
been made from outside since the creation of the London Borough. Two
trainees have qualified during this time and have been appointed on the staff.
At the present time there are five vacancies for district inspectors out of a
total establishment of 20. A recent advertisement met with no response whatsoever
and consideration is being given to the need for additional incentive
in the terms of appointment.
In concluding this introduction to the report, I should like to express my
appreciation of the support and encouragement of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman
and members of the various Committees, the guidance and confidence of Dr. S.L.
Wright, Medical Officer of Health, and the very willing help and loyalty of the
whole of my staff.