View report page

have to contain not less than 1,000 clauses, it would be better to have a series
of bills in order to make the legislation more conveniently workable. The
Public Health Act of 1936 covers the first of the sub-divisions, and relates to
provisions of a strictly public health character in the prevention and treatment
of disease. These include environmental matters such as drains and sewers,
buildings, water supply and the abatement of nuisances, and also include
personal hygiene in the provision of hospitals, maternity centres etc. There
has not been so much alteration in the law as consolidation, but nevertheless
there will be from both these aspects alteration in administrative procedure as
a result of the Act. This will be better dealt with in the annual report for 1937.
The Housing Act 1936 is also a consolidating act covering the Housing Acts
of 1925 to 1935 and certain other enactments relating to housing. It came
into force on the 1st January 1937 and the major parts of it as they affect the
Health Department have been commented on under the housing section of
this report. The Midwives Act 1936, another major act, is also commented on
in the body of the Report. Other acts passed during the year included
enactments dealing with shops and one minor act in connection with the transfer
of petroleum licences.
The Report covers the first full year after the appointment of a shops
inspector. Unfortunately, however, the first shops inspector resigned on
obtaining promotion to another authority and there was a gap of some two
or three months before his successor was able to take up his duties. The Shops
Act of 1934, together with additional legislation which has occurred since that
date, gives a sound basis for a large amount of social work which can be done
in relation to shops, especially as it affects the employees. I am hoping that
in the course of the next few years this work will progress rapidly in order
that the advantages which are possible under the acts may be obtained in
Southall.
The report which follows is in outline in accordance with the suggestions
of the Ministry of Health.
6