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At a meeting convened in London, in October, 1947, by the Central Council for Health Education, it was
authoritatively stated that each year 5,000 people die directly as a result of an infection acquired from food. Many
factors account for the increase both of cases and death, but the principal causes are :
(a) the increased number of people open to risk by reason of the growth of communal feeding and catering.
(b) a general laxity in the hygienic handling of food, due to the lack of training and interest in hygiene by
staffs engaged in handling of food.
(c) the shortage of equipment, i.e., facilities for personal washing ; washing machines for crockery and
utensils ; insufficient hot water, soap, towels, etc. ; unsuitable premises.
(d) the general shortage of foodstuffs, resulting in foodstuffs being offered for sale not as fresh and wholesome
as would normally be the case ; the practice of hotels, restaurants and canteens to use up scraps
of food in made-up dishes, and the consequential dangers attendant upon the preparation of made-up
dishes by persons who do not appreciate the dangers of food poisoning.
The problem of food poisoning is causing some anxiety, and in order that these matters shall be kept under
greater control, the Sanitary Inspectors have paid more frequent visits to canteens, catering establishments and
places where food is prepared and handled.
Atmospheric Pollution.—The pollution of the atmosphere by smoke, grit and sulphur fumes, arising from
the three power-stations in the Borough, continues to be a serious cause of complaint.
In June, 1946, a deputation was received on this subject by the Ministry of Health, following which, the
Council were informed by the Ministry that certain measures would be undertaken by the several Power Companies
to mitigate the nuisance.
These measures were, however, not carried through in most instances, and the nuisance continues with little
improvement.
Apart from the day-to-day breakdowns, fuel difficulties and other similar explanations vouchsafed by the
Power-Station Authorities in accounting for the more serious emissions, it is submitted that the whole question of
atmospheric pollution from power-stations needs to be given greater consideration from all the authorities concerned.
It is evident that a considerable amount of research into the problems involved in grit, smoke and sulphur
arrestation is required and it is lamentable that such research has not been undertaken with the same zest as research
in efficient combustion has been carried out. It would appear that the production of electricity in greater volume
and at the lowest cost has been the paramount consideration to the detriment of public health. It is yet to be realised
that true economy must have as much regard for the health and comfort of the population as to the availability of
cheap electric power.
Apart from the power-stations, smoke nuisances from factory chimneys were not excessive.
Where smoke emissions were observed, it has usually been found that the cause is due to inferior and unsuitable
coal. In several instances of this kind, improvement has been effected through the collaboration of the Sanitary
Inspectors, the officials of the Ministry of Fuel and Power and the firms concerned.
Premises Inspected.—The number of premises inspected on complaint was 6,958, and the total inspections
and re-inspections were 22,970. (The figures for 1946 were 7,473 and 21,624 respectively.)
Water.—The water supply of Willesden is derived from the mains of the Metropolitan Water Board and
the Colne Valley Water Company. The service is constant and the water of excellent quality.
Factories Act, 1937.—The provisions of Part I of the Act, relating to Sanitary Conveniences, are enforceable
by the Borough Council.