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National Assistance Act, 1948, Section 47.
It was not necessary during 1955, to remove to suitable premises any
persons in need of care and attention.
Complaints.
During 1955 the number of complaints received by the department was
1,568.
Smoke Abatement.
During the year 307 smoke observations were made. The Byelaws prescribe
that the emission of black smoke for more than 2 minutes in any period
of 30 minutes shall until the contrary is proved be deemed a statutory nuisance
and a smoke nuisance. These observations were taken over 30 minute periods,
but each district inspector is constantly taking spot observations of factory
chimneys in his district.
It was found necessary on 3 occasions to report contraventions of the
Byelaws to the Health Committee and warning letters were sent to offending
firms by the Town Clerk. This action proved effective and no further contraventions
were recorded.
Housing.
A start was made in dealing with the unfit houses listed in the return
which had to be made to the Minister of Housing and Local Government by
August 1955. In December the Minister confirmed the first clearance order
which consisted of a block of seven cottages in Hampton Wick. The photograph
on page 22 gives an idea of the condition of the property.
In addition, demolition orders were made in respect of 2 houses in Whitton
and Closing Orders, which have since been determined, in respect of 2 houses
in Twickenham.
169 houses are scheduled to be dealt with in the five-year plan, but the
rate of progress must be dependant upon the Corporation's ability to re-house
the tenants of the unfit houses.
Pet Animals Act, 1951.
No person is allowed to keep a pet shop except under the authority of a
licence granted in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
These conditions have regard to the need for securing :
(a) that animals will at all times be kept in accommodation suitable as
respects size, temperature, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness ;
(b) that animals will be adequately supplied with suitable food and drink
and (so far as necessary) visited at suitable intervals ;
(c) that animals, being mammals, will not be sold at too early an age;
(d) that all reasonable precautions will be taken to prevent the spread
among animals of infectious diseases ;
(e) that appropriate steps will be taken in case of fire or other emergency.
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