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or support; bridges will have to be built to ensure effective co-operation between both branches
of the service. Local authority and other interested organisations are already expressing disagreement
with this formula and there are likely to be many impassioned debates before
legislation, to give effect to the governments proposals, is introduced.
I am pleased to note that local authorities are to retain their full responsibilities for
the environmental health services. This is a local service in that those officers performing the
work must have an intimate knowledge of their district and be readily accessible to the local
residents. When the final pattern emerges it is hoped that there will be strong and comprehensive
machinery, at all levels, for the protection of the environment in its widest sense. It
would be disastrous if environmental health work is fragmented and subordinated to other
interests. One point of cardinal importance, which cannot be stressed too strongly, is the
inter-relationship of the various facets of environmental health problems.
However, the only thing that can be said with certainty at this moment is that within
the next year or so vitally importantdecisionsare likely to be taken on the future structure of
local government, on the administration of the national health service and on re-organisation
of the personal social services. The plans for changing these public services are receiving,
and will continue to receive, the most critical examination and will naturally reflect personal,
professional and corporate interests, but when decisions are made it must be hoped that the
public interest will be the paramount consideration.
Whatever system is finally adopted, it must not be overlooked that the ultimate test of
any service is the quality of the men and women who run it.
In conclusion it is my privilege to acknowledge the support and encouragement accorded
to me by the Medical Officer of Health and the Town Clerk, and the interest shown by past and
present Chairmen and members of the Committees concerned with the work of the environmental
health services. I would also like to express my thanks to all my colleagues in the health and
welfare service and to officers of other departments for their help and co-operation over the
years.
And finally, I wish to acknowledge my indebtedness to the industry and loyalty of the
members of the staff of the public health inspectorate and to tender to all of them my sincere
thanks and appreciation.
B.J.Ashcroft
Chief Public Health Inspector
HOUSING SURVEY - CANN HALL ROAD AREA
I. INTRODUCTION
Publication by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government of the White Paper 'Old
Houses Into New Homes' (Cmnd 3602) in April 1968 foreshadowed the new and strengthened
powers to be given to local authorities with respect to house improvement and repair, area
environmental improvement, multiple occupation and rent reassessment, which were subsequently
contained in the new Housing Act, introduced in August 1969. The White Paper also implied a
widening of the scope of the duty imposed on local authorities under previous housing legislation
to review housing conditions in their districts from time to time with a view to determining
what action to take in performance of their statutory functions.
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