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94
SANITARY SECTION 1954
This section of the Report relating to sanitary circumstances, housing,
food Inspection and general routine work, of the Section has been completed
by the Chief Sanitary Inspector, Mr. D.G. Tonkin, M.S.I.A.
Legislation affecting the work of the Sanitary Inspectors continues
to multiply and with the higher standards demanded. In particular in
relation to housing and food supply, the Section has been fully occupied
throughout the year. There has been a general shortage of technical staff
to carry out the manifold duties of a Sanitary Inspector and it is a
matter for regret that the Report of the Working Party on the Recruitment,
Training and Qualifications of Sanitary Insepctorshas not yet been officially
accepted nor its recommendation carried into effect.
The staff position in East Ham has been somewhat fluid as the following
information shows.
Mr. Patrick commenced duty in March, but Mr. Williams left in April and
in his stead Mr. Cook commenced duty in May. In August, Mr. Goffin resigned
and Mr. Harraway was appointed in November. These frequent changes amongst
the inspectorate have a very unsettling influence on the work of the Department,
but by the end of the year the staff was up to establishment.
There were no slum clearance representations made during the year but
preliminary surveys were carried out with a view to future programming of
areas. A Closing Order under the terms of the Housing Act, 1936 and Local
Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1953, was made in respect of one
house at North Woolwich. The work in connection with applications for
Council houses shows little abatement and well over 3,000 investigations
of existing housing accommodation were made. An increasing public awareness
of the dangers present in the comsumption of dirty, contaminated or
diseased food is most gratifying, and the Inspectors have continued their
endeavours to effect improvements in the supply and handling of foodstuffs.
Very many people bring samples of foods to the office for examination and
opinion.
The Food Hygiene Guild continued to function and details are given in
the body of the report.
With the end of meat rationing the Minister of Food directed Local
Authorities to ensure that sufficient slaughterhouse facilities were
available to serve the needs of their districts and after consideration,
the Council granted licences in respect of three slaughterhouses as against
six existing post-war. Killing of animals in these slaughterhouses commenced
in July and every animal killed is examined by an Inspector before
being released for sale for human consumption.
The public appear to be well aware of the service provided by the
Department as is shown by the fact that no less than 3,591 complaints of
all types were received at the office. Furthermore many local organisations
continued to request the attendance of Inspectors at their meetings,
to address them on such subjects as housing, food Inspection and atmospheric
pollution.
It is a regrettable fact that no new legislation dealing with pollution
of the atmosphere has been Introduced though the matter was being officially
"investigated". The "Beaver" Committee submitted its final report at the
end of the year, and this incorporated many unique recommendations which
it Is earnestly hoped will eventually reach the Statute Book.