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to local ratepayers. The conditions created by many of the "travellers" in areas
they frequent has not endeared them to the permanent inhabitants of the area and
a co-ordinated programme including rehabilitation is needed to deal with this
problem.
Under the provisions of the North West London (General Powers) Act, 1965,
court proceedings can be instituted to effect removal of itinerants from the site,
with the consequence, of course, that they move to another site in the borough or
to a neighbouring authority.
Because of the diminishing numbers less time is now needed to deal with these
itinerants but, nevertheless, the problem still exists.
Summonses were served during the year but the removal of the caravans in
question had been effected before the cases came to court.
CANAL BOATS
Provisions in relation to health are made in Sections 249-258 of the Public
Health Act, 1936, as amended by Section 79 of the Public Health Act, 1961.
The River Lea Navigation runs through the eastern extremity of the borough
from north to south.
The canal boats using this waterway for the transport of goods are not residential
and do not therefore require registration for public health purposes.
SHOPS AND OFFICES
The Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963, is designed to raise standards
of working conditions so as to promote the health, welfare and safety of the
employees.
Broadly, it gives to these workers protection similar to that already afforded
the factory worker by the Factories Acts.
Enforcement of the provisions of the Act, in relation to Crown property, local
authority premises, railway premises, and offices and shops in factories covered by
the Factories Act, 1961, is the responsibility of Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate.
Responsibility in respect of all other shops and offices is vested in local authorities.
Since the passing of the Act, the Minister of Labour had made several Orders
and Regulations prescribing standards for the provision of washing facilities, sanitary
accommodation, first aid equipment, etc., but the issue of regulations for the
prescribing of standards for lighting and ventilation is still awaited.
The amount of work done in respect of shops and offices is considerably less
than last year for two reasons. Firstly, the majority of initial visits to registered
premises have now been carried out and secondly, the technical assistants have been
required to spend more time on smoke control duties.
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