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III. SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES
The District Public Health Inspectors served 2,596 notices during
the year, and in -41 cases legal proceedings were employed to enforce
compliance therewith.
Included amongst the new legislation affecting the Department this
year was Section 25 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act,
1959, which gives permissive power to the Council to require the owner
or occupier of any inn, refreshment house or place of public entertainment
to provide and maintain such number of sanitary conveniences for the use
of persons frequenting the premises as may be reasonable.
In addition, the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1958,
transferred to the Borough Council, as from 1st January, 1959, the duty
of enforcing the provisions of Section 38 of the Shops Act, 1950, relating
to lighting, facilities for taking meals, and washing facilities for
employees.
At the end of the year the Department was still four below the
establishment of district inspectors.
Animals.
It is unusual nowadays in Metropolitan London to have to investigate
the housing conditions of farm animals. However, such a case occurred
in the Borough this year, when a litter of pigs, a lamb, some geese and
hens were discovered in a backyard. Steps were taken to have the pigs
removed, but as it was ascertained that they were subject to a Swine
Fever Movement Restriction Order their removal could not take place
immediately, and subsequently some died from the disease.
Certificates of Disrepair (Rent Act. 1957).
During the year 85 applications were received from tenants for
Certificates of Disrepair under the Rent Act, 1957. The Council exercised
its right under paragraph 5 of the First Schedule to the Act in
refusing to accept undertakings from landlords in respect of 10 premises.
Last year 238 applications from tenants were received, and in 1957 (the
Act came into operation on 6th July that year) 490 applications were
received.
Clean Air.
Under the Clean Air Act, 1956, the Minister of Housing and Local
Government in March gave provisional approval to the Council's proposal
to the making of its first Smoke Control Order. The area concerned,
situated along the Borough's boundary with the City of London, is one
of 164 acres, and comprises 1,979 dwellings and 938 commercial, industrial
and other premises. It was ascertained from a survey of the area
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