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Sampling of river water from the Brent at various stations in the County is carried out
several times a year by officers of the Middlesex County Council. On three occasions
during 1963 very bad results were obtained from these samplings, and it was necessary to
investigate further—the pollution appeared to be industrial in origin. Certain defaulting
firms were traced, but investigations on others were continuing at the end of 1963.
One large industrial premises was found during 1963 to be discharging polluting
effluent into the surface water sewer, and also into the Grand Union Canal—immediate
attention was given to this, and the source of pollution removed. Two other sources of
pollution were found, in one case agreement to permit effluent to enter Soil Sewer was made,
in the other certain works within the factory had to be carried out, and this was done, but
observation on this factory was still being maintained at the end of the year.
Establishments for Massage and Special Treatment
Seven establishments were inspected for licence under this heading and all were found
satisfactory for the purpose which was intended. Details are as follows:—
Purpose No. of Licences
Chiropody only 3
Physiotherapy and Chiropody 4
The premises of one practitioner were found to be extremely dilapidated and unsuitable,
so the issue of a licence was postponed in order that repairs could be carried out.
Medical Examination of Borough Council Employees
During 1963, a total of 102 medical examinations were carried out on applicants for
Borough Council employment or members of the Borough Council staff. These examinations
were carried out with regard to suitability for employment on the Council's permanent staff,
for entry into the Sickness Pay Scheme, or for review after prolonged periods of sick leave.
A survey of sickness absence amongst Borough Council staff during the year is shown
in the table below, and the comparable statistics for the four previous years.