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than apparent that those concerned with the food industry in the
town were anxious to move towards the formation of some body
responsible for the recognition of firms which conducted their
business in a hygienic and cleanly fashion. An executive committee
was elected under the guidance of Mr. D. C. Mitchell, charged
with the task of initiating The Wembley Clean Food Association
and after much preliminary work the Inaugural meeting of the
Association was held early in 1950.
Much has already been achieved in this direction but more
complete details of the Association's work will be recorded in
future reports.
4. HOUSING. During the year, 268 cases of overcrowding
were relieved of which 133 were provided with accommodation by
the Council. The number of cases of overcrowding known to the
Department at the end of the year was 558.
Under the liaison which exists between the two Departments
concerned, all cases of suspected overcrowding are referred from
the Housing Department to the Health Department for investigation,
and all cases coming to the knowledge of the Health Department
are notified to the Housing Department. No less than 1,574
visits were made by Sanitary Inspectors during the year in connection
with overcrowding, whilst the comparable figure for the
previous year was 1,665. Similarly, medical certificates received
in the Housing Department in support of applications for Council
houses are submitted to the Medical Officer of Health for his
opinion as to whether the cases come within the Council's scheme
of priorities on medical grounds. In addition, where investigation
shows that special medical grounds exist (with or without a
medical certificate) the Housing Department is notified accordingly.
Two houses were represented to the Council as being unfit
for human habitation and Demolition Orders were made by the
Council in accordance with Section 11 of the Housing Act, 1936.
5. RODENT CONTROL. The Prevention of Damage by
Pests Act, 1949, which comes into force on the 31st March, 1950,
has repealed the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919, from that
date. During 1949, however, the Council continued to operate
their services under the old Act and have availed themselves of
any financial grants which the Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries have offered. These financial grants, now 50% of the
net cost of the service, are subject briefly to the local authority
providing a proper service, using the methods of extermination
approved by the Ministry, and maintenance treatment of sewers
being carried out twice a year.
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