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of Health to take over responsibility for all duties in respect of foodstuffs
both within the curtilage of the Dock walls (as at present) and
at the wharfside (at present the responsibility of the District Sanitary
Authority). It has been the policy of the Borough Council to oppose
these proposals and so continue its existing control over wharves/warehouses
which operates satisfactorily.
In view of the possible risks to health of pesticide residues in
foods, a check on conditions at the point of sale of fruit and vegetables
from home and abroad arriving at large wholesale distributing centres in
the Borough has been made. Special testing is undertaken by the Borough's
appointed Analyst. The tests are complex and expensive - see report on
page 41).
District Inspections
For the first time in 13 years the district inspectors were up to
establishment at the end of the year. This improved staffing position
results in part from the Council's enlightened attitude on grading of
salaries according to qualifications and years of experience. However,
lest 'Hubris bring Nemesis' impending retirements in the new year and
the increased work resulting from new legislation give no grounds for
complacency. Training of public health inspector students continues at
maximum level, but until all authorities train a quota of public health
inspectors the too common drain of staff trained by larger industrial
authorities to more salubrious areas will continue.
The severe winter with snow and frost, during the first three months
of the year, led to a great increase in the number of complaints received
in the Department.
An example of new legislation is the Offices, Shops and Railway
Premises Act, to become operative on 1st August 1964. One inspector
has undertaken preliminary work to premises covered by the Act (reported
on page 33). The intention of the Act is welcomed as an extension of
the statutory control of environmental conditions to include "white collar"
workers, similar to that given for other workers by the Factories Act.
To date owners/occupiers have responded favourably when advised on likely
factors which will require attention when the regulations laying down
standards are issued. To cover this important new responsibility a
special inspectorate will be required, necessitating an increase in
establishment.
Clean Air
Order No.5 was made by the Council in December. Some 631 acres out
of a total of 1,692 are now covered by Smoke Control Orders. Difficulties
have arisen recently with the provision of certain types of solid fuels.
As a result, more emphasis on providing alternative approved forms of
heating will be necessary. At present schemes are being formulated to
ensure the continuance of this very essential long-term preventive health
measure to ensure 'Clean Air' for the future.
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