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Housing still plays a very important part in the programme of
Public Health. Indeed, as has been so often said, there can be few
aspects of preventive medicine with which a Borough Council such
as Southgate is more intimately concerned.
We have already dealt with the greater part of our slum clear
ance programme and are still continuing this work. The problem of
houses in multiple occupation is at present under review throughout
the country, as this presents quite a serious problem in many parts.
It is already clear, however, that this is not a major problem in
Southgate. As the matter is still under careful investigation, this
would appear to be a matter which would be better reported at a
later date. The specific problem of the provision of suitable accommodation
for the elderly is dealt with in the section of the Report
which deals with care of the aged.
The position in regard to the setting up of smoke control areas
in Southgate is proceeding according to the plan submitted to the
Public Health Committee and to the Council, and duly agreed. This
is, of course a long-term policy, but I think it can be said that
Southgate has not in any way neglected its obvious duties.
Food hygiene once again received considerable attention during
the year. The Chief Public Health Inspector and his staff of Public
Health Inspectors have carried out many visits to food premises,
and have investigated all complaints arriving at the Public Health
Department. Many talks on clean food were given to local
organisations throughout the year, stressing particularly the part
which members of the public can play in what is undoubtedly a
sizeable problem. Although the Borough Council possesses the
powers of law enforcement in regard to infringements of the Clean
Food Acts, and although the Council has taken action in this field
when action was required, this only represents a comparatively
minor solution to the problem. In the United States of America,
they have adopted an excellent slogan "Protect yourself, yourself."
This means, of course, that unless and until we all work together to
effect much-needed improvement in food hygiene, we cannot expect
success. No one would suggest that we should become a nation of
priers or snoopers. None the less, it will readily be appreciated
that Public Health Inspectors, with their multifarious duties and
small numbers can, with the best will in the world, only devote a
limited amount of time to food hygiene. The general public can and
should insist on the highest standards at all times and in all places,
should cease to trade with those establishments where conditions
are in any way below standard, and should let us know of any
conditions which they consider a danger to the consumer. If this
co-operation was one hundred per cent, there can be little doubt
that conditions would improve. This is merely a matter of simple
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