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Grave human, as well as technical, obstacles will have to be overcome before such a
revolutionary project reaches fruition, and much detailed research into the manifold problems
involved as well as new legislation will be necessary.
Detailed information about the condition of the Borough's existing housing stock is an
essential pre-requisite for the satisfactory planning of future housing needs and for co-ordinating
and integrating the various facets of the housing problem.
With this objective in view the Department is co-operating with the Greater London
Council in carrying out a house condition survey involving a 4% sample of dwellings in each of
the London Boroughs - about 3,000 houses per Borough. Statistical analysis of the findings of
this survey, when completed, will present the most comprehensive and accurate stocktaking of
houses ever undertaken in London.
The Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act is proving to be an effective instrument
for the control of the working environment of persons employed in business premises, and since
some of its provisions overlap and extend similar requirements contained in the Food Hygiene
(General) Regulations and other legislation, the survey under the Act has provided an excellent
opportunity to carry out a general review of business premises. The success of action taken
measured in terms of improvements effected to premises and in advancement of the standard of
welfare and safety of employees must depend upon the ability of the Department to undertake the
necessary follow-up procedure. Every effort is being made, subject to the limitation imposed by
severe staff shortage, to carry out a continuing programme of re-inspection.
The adverse effects of air pollution on the environment of an urban community was
recognised as long ago as the thirteenth century, when smoke abatement legislation was first
introduced. But it was not until the disastrous London smog of December, 1952, that the urgency
of the problem was finally acknowledged. It needed the tragic consequences of that smog to
bring about the current legislation which now empowers local authorities to establish smoke
control areas. A separate report dealing with this subject appears on pages 30/34.
The restricted space available permits only the briefest and most generalised conspectus
of the work of the Public Health Inspectorate and attention is drawn to the appendix to the report
which refers to food and drugs administration, food inspection and sampling, registration and
licensing and contains detailed information in tabular and statistical form of the work of the
Department.
The difficulties and frustrations created as a result of five vacancies on the Public
Health Inspectorate establishment has imposed heavy demands on existing staff. The extra
individual effort required in such circumstances, has unstintingly and cheerfully been given and
in spite of ever-increasing pressure on the service substantial progress in the various fields of
environmental health has been made.
Again I would like to thank my colleagues for their loyal co-operation and support.
B.J.Ashcroft
Chief Public Health Inspector
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