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24
Shops Act, 1934.—During the year five shops were reported
by the Inspector as having failed to comply with the provisions
of the Shops Act, 1934, relating to ventilation and temperature
and to sanitary conveniences. Inspections were made
by the Sanitary Inspector and in one case it was found that W.C.
accommodation and facilities for washing were not provided for
the assistant. This shop was at a railway station and arrangements
were made for the assistant to be provided with a key to the ladies'
cloakroom where both these facilities were provided. In another
shop there were no washing facilities but after notice to the shopkeeper
a wash-hand basin was installed. In the other three instances
the arrangements were found to be satisfactory.
Swimming Baths and Pools.—There are four swimming
baths provided by the Council, namely, a ladies' bath, a men's first
class bath, a men's third class bath and a bath reserved exclusively
for the use of the public elementary school children.
These swimming baths are equipped with pressure filters for
continuous filtration and the water is treated with chlorine under
strict supervision.
There are two privately owned swimming pools in the Borough
which are run in connection with Staff Recreation Clubs of two
large factories. In both of these pools chemical treatment of the
water is carried out.
Verminous Houses.—During the year a review of the Council's
houses was made with a view to ascertaining the amount of infestation
with bugs. Of the 1,550 houses owned by the Council, 48
were found to be either definitely, or suspected to be, in a verminous
condition.
Inspections of these 48 houses were made by the sanitary
inspectors and evidence of bugs was found in 23 houses, or 1.5
per cent, of the total, a very low figure compared with many other
districts.
Disinfestation was carried out at these houses and proved
successful in all but one instance where re-infestation was discovered
after five months. This house was ultimately cleared of vermin.