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SANITARY SECTION AND HOUSING.
Mr, J. E. Austin, M.B.E., Senior Sanitary Inspector, has
compiled this section of the Report relating to Sanitary Circumstances
and Housing, and Statistics in regard to Food Inspection.
Emergency Work.
The year was one of unprecedented activity. Normal routine
duties were limited and the repair and maintenance of environmental
conditions consequent upon war damage became manifestly of prime
importance. The inspectoral and other staff worked, unremittingly
to ensure the recovery of a reasonable' standard, of housing and
sanitary conditions following the intensive air raids.
First Aid Repairs to Houses
The early execution of repairs to houses apart from the public
morale standpoint must inevilably have had an influence on public
health. The psychological effect of early reinstatement of housing
circumstances has been noted and is indicated, not only in the
absence of disease and in the maintenance of war effort, but in
the return of population. A serious Population decline occurred
early in the year but towards the close an increase of nearly
50% had been recorded. As housing accormodation was reclaimed
so the population returned.
The work of supervising housing repairs constituted a very
heavy burden on the inspectorate. At one period a labour head of
approximately 3000 was employed. Despite numerous problems the
progress has been, gratifying and a reasonable standard of fitness
has been attained.
Emergency Drainage Repairs.
Considerable and detailed attention was devoted to war damaged
drainage, the, extent of which ha3 been difficult to define. There
remained a considerable amount of reconstruction to bo carried out
at the end of the year and the problem of sanitary circumstances at
vacated and damaged commercial premise's 'remained acute.
Emergency Water Supplies.
Emergency distribution of water was again undertaken, during
two short periods of dislocation of supplies. Supplies of chloros
and 'hypo' were obtained for distribution to wardens' posts' - in case
of need of chlorination of 'supplies for domestic use Five samples
of emergency supplies from local wells- were Obtained for analysis.
Disposal of Civilian War Dead
The scheme was again severely tested in the early part of the
year and in the subsequent period of bull the arrangements have
been maintained satisfactorily.
Removal of Furniture from Damaged Houses.
This scheme which is an extension of the arrangements made
in connection with slum clearance removal's, is supervised by the
department. Some 3865 removals were effected and 19 stores were
in use Close surveillance of effects, was maintained and
disinfestation carried out where essential.
Public Shelters.
Sanitary conditions were maintained satisfactorily in publicshelters.
A high standard of cleanliness maintained by the Borough
Engineer's shelter cleansing staff was amply rewarded in the
response of shelterers themselves. Frequent removal of bedding
was demanded. The installation of a new -steam disinfecting plant
should prove an asset in case of future extensive reoccupation of
shelters.
33.