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An old-standing problem took a turn for the better during
the year. The case concerns an aged and eccentric man of
professional background who for many years has lived alone,
apart from the company of a large number of cats, under very
unsatisfactory conditions.
All attempts to persuade him to clean the place or even
accept help which was available from official and voluntary
services failed.
During the year, for the second time, it was necessary to
obtain a Magistrates warrant to obtain access to the premises
for inspection. This time however the old gentleman remained
unimpressed when presented with the official document and actual
physical force would have been necessary to execute the warrant.
Wisely drawing the line at this, the Public Health Inspector
who had the unpleasant task of dealing with this situation, made
a graceful withdrawal.
A few days later, we learned with some surprise that he
had agreed to have a Home Help in two or three times a week. I
am glad to report that this help is still continuing with the
result that no further action has been necessary by the Public
Health Department.
My report on the work of the Public Health Inspectors is
set out under the following headings:-
I. Sanitary Administration, viz:- inspection of the district,
summary of complaints, notices served, legal proceedings,
offensive trades, drainage and sewerage, keeping of animals,
rodent control, destruction of vermin and insect pests,
disinfection, ponds, ditches and watercourses.
II. Air Pollution, viz:- smoke control areas, height of chimneys,
new furnaces, the Dark Smoke (Permitted Periods)
Regulations, 1958, grit and dust, byelaws re. new heating
and cooking appliances, pollution from road vehicles, pollution
from railway, industrial bonfires, measurement of
atmospheric pollution, publicity, West Middlesex Clean Air
Co-ordinating Committee.
III. Pood, viz:- milk supply, ice cream, inspection of meat and
other foods, food hygiene, aircraft catering, hawkers of
food, sampling of food and drugs, food poisoning, complaints
about food, inspection of food premises.
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