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LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
(a) Public Health Act, 1936.
Five summonses were taken out for failure to comply with
Abatement Notices and in each case the requirements of the Notice
were carried out before the hearing took place. The summonses
were therefore withdrawn on payment of costs.
(b) Food and Drugs Act, 1938.
Proceedings were taken on four occasions in connection with
foreign matter in food. A conviction was secured in every case
and fines varying from £2 to £5. 5. Od., together with costs, were
imposed by the Magistrates.
(c) Middlesex County Council Acts, 1944-1950.
Successful action was taken against the owner of an unauthorised
caravan site. A fine of £5 with £3. 3. Od. costs was
imposed and the site was subsequently cleared of caravans.
MOVEABLE DWELLINGS
No decrease in the number of caravans in the district has
taken place since the last report and at the end of the year approximately
120 were in use for permanent habitation. As indicated in
a previous section of this report, successful proceedings were taken
against the owner of an unauthorised site and the site was subsequently
cleared. Apart from the abatement of the housing
shortage, which does not appear to be in sight, there does not seem
to be any solution to the caravan problem other than the provision
of properly equipped municipal sites to replace the ill-equipped and
badly-run private sites. The Minister's approval has been obtained
for the Compulsory Purchase of land at Harlington for a site and it
is hoped that next year it will be possible to report that the site is
in operation.
Once again the district has enjoyed comparative freedom from
gypsies thereby avoiding the waste of Sanitary Inspectors' time
which occurs when these people are constant visitors. There does
not seem to be any reason why this district should have an immunity
not shared by other Local Authorities in this area other than the
policy of enforcing the provisions of the Middlesex County Council
Acts against itinerant caravan dwellers immediately they are
found in the district.
OFFENSIVE TRADES
There is no establishment in the district carrying on an
Offensive Trade.
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