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It is therefore proposed that local housing authorities should
send to the Minister a statement of the number of unfit houses in
their area and a programme showing, among other things, how many
they can pull down and replace in say the next five years.
Dilapidated houses. It is here suggested that the Ministry
have in view some alterations in the Housing Act, whereby it will
be simpler for Local Authorities to carry out work on houses
because of the default of the owners. Where works of repair have
been executed in this way the landlord may find difficulties in
obtaining an increase in rent as authorised in Section 1.
4. Improvement and conversion. This section of the White
Paper suggests alterations in the arrangements whereby landlords
may obtain grants in order to improve their properties, e.g., by
providing baths, hot water, etc.
In concluding these very brief remarks, it can be recorded that
all interested in this work, local authority officers, surveyors, architects,
etc., are awaiting the passing of the new Housing Act, which
it is expected will become law in 1954.
Clean Catering.
A most interesting book was published during the year by the
Ministry of Food with the title "Clean Catering."
Acting upon the instructions of the Public Health Committee
all caterers were informed that the book was available from H.M.
Stationery Office and advised to obtain a copy for reference. As
is usual with the many excellent books published by the Stationery
Office the price was low (2s. 6d.)
It covered such items as suggested areas for kitchen layouts,
construction details, e.g., materials for floors, walls and ceilings,
and ventilation. A part of the book is set aside for discussing equip-
The final section is divided into parts dealing with welfare and
control of staff, accidents and their prevention, storage of food, and
use of the refrigerator, preparation of food (including re-heated and
made-Up dishes), display and serving of food, storage of swill and
waste, washing up and cleansing of premises and equipment,
This publication is printed on good paper, is well presented and
illustrated with drawings and photographs. It is interesting to
caterers, public health officers, and yes, even to the housewife.
Report of the Working Party on the Recruitment, Training and
qualification of Sanitary Inspectors.
In September the Report of the Working Party set up by the
Government to investigate the whole problem of the recruitment,
training and qualifications of Sanitary Inspectors was published
by H.M. Stationery Office.
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