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24 beds spaced at well over 3 feet apart were provided for sleeping,
whilst separate marquees were also provided for cooking,
recreation, writing, etc.
A resident Camp Commandant was in charge of the camp
during the whole of the time, and very cordial relations were
maintained between the Commandant and the Council's officers
whose duties brought them into daily contact. The same remarks
apply equally to the wardens of the hostels, and the Stadium and
Empire Pool authorities. In short, every endeavour was made to
cater for the comfort of visitors and to maintain as high a sanitary
standard as the circumstances would permit. It is pleasing to be
able to record that no untoward incidents arose such, for example,
as outbreaks of infectious disease, and it seems reasonable to
assume that this freedom from incidents may, in some measure at
least, be ascribed to the careful planning before, and the constant
watchfulness of all concerned during the occupation of the hostels
and camp.
3. WATER SUPPLY. The Colne Valley Water Co. supply
with water the major part of the borough and the Rickmansworth
and Uxbridge Water Co. supply a very small area in the southern
end of the district. These supplies are sampled bacteriologically
at frequent intervals at various points and copies of the bacteriological
reports forwarded to the Water Companies, while also the
Water Companies submit periodically their results. The water
supply remained bacteriologically satisfactory and generally
sufficient in quantity. Concern has, however, been expressed by
the Council on more than one occasion relating to the hardness
of the water supplied by the Colne Valley Water Co. This hardness
during the war and since has been of the order of 20—22
parts per 100,000, whereas before the war it was in the region of
14 parts per 100,000. Approaches were made to the supply company
who have pointed out that whilst the water is softened it
has not been possible to reduce the hardness to its pre-war state,
for a number of technical reasons. At the present time the Council,
together with other local authorities within the same supply
area, are pursuing the matter.
4. HOUSING. The housing situation still remains a serious
one but is fully appreciated by the Council. During the year
under review, however, 307 cases of overcrowding were relieved,
of which 248 were provided with accommodation by the Council.
At the end of the year overcrowding cases in accordance with the
Housing Act standard numbered 602.
1,665 visits were paid by Sanitary Inspectors in connection
with investigations into overcrowding.