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D (7) Sanitary Accommodation at Offices
Two offices were found to be without the requisite closet
accommodation in consequence of which action under Section
46 Public Health Act, 1936 resulted in 8 additional conveniences,
together with 18 wash-hand basins being provided.
D (8) River Thames—Effluvia
Though no complaints were received during the year
regarding objectionable odours emanating from the above
source, nevertheless such odours were perceptible from time
to time, and the conditions prevailing have been kept constantly
under review.
In September 1954, the Port of London Authority in its
annual report for 1953 stated that "the Authority is gravely
concerned at the present condition of water in the river.
Sewage and industrial effluents as well as flue gas washings
from power stations are all making demands on the oxygen
content of the river water. Samples taken now indicate at
times a state of complete deoxygenation from Erith as far upnver
as Battersea."
Already there are at least eight power stations along the
20 mile stretch, whilst a ninth is planned at Norman Road,
Belvedere.
In addition to the intensely rank odours which arise from
the polluted river, it is found locally that the aerial pollution
D (6) Shops Act 1950
(a) With regard to the statutory hours of closing, it was
necessary to issue one warning only upon matters requisite to
the closing of shop premises at the prescribed hour. No
reference was made to the Magistrate's Court during the year.
In connection with a County bird show held on a Sunday,
it was necessary to implement Sections 47, 58, and fifth schedule
with a view to preventing sales of merchandise. This was
effected.
(b) Improvements in connection with health and comfort
provisions were as follows:-
Heating improvements 4
Washing facilities 2
Closet accommodation 2
Cleansing 1
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