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19.
Representations calling for this substance to be banned were
made to the Ministry by the Chingford Borough Council and various
eminent national associations. These brought forth polite replies.
It was left to the 'Daily Mail' to arouse public opinion. On the
eighth day of their vigorous campaign, supported by other newspapers,
radio and television, the Government announced that nicotinic acid
and associated products would be banned - in fresh meat. They can
still be used in processed meats which includes our ubiquitous and
doubtful, though much beloved, sausage. Further representations
have, as before, brought forth only more polite replies. Perhaps
we ought to write to a newspaper.
The press sometimes misreports, usually because it has not been
given all the facts and background; it has often caused pain and
embarrassment and some of the national newspapers may even be rather
wicked on occasions. Nevertheless, for all its sins and omissions,
it has an enormous power and will to do good and I think that its full
co-operation should be sought to that purpose.
The press were largely responsible for the public exposure of
'Rachmanism' - the cruel and vicious exploitation of those in need of
housing and of existing tenants who, were forced out of their homes
by rapacious landlords. The empty houses were then filled with fresh
tenants at high rents, sometimes a family to each room or up to 1+0
lettings in a single house. These ant-hills are termed "Houses in
Multiple Occupation". Some have sprung up in Chingford and more can
be expected. So far they have not been overcrowded by the standards
of the Statute but they have lacked many of the amenities and safeguards
called for by the Housing Act, 1961. Some of the powers in
this Act are pitifully inadequate to prevent this type of exploitation.
We shall have to be given more and stronger pavers but of course the
real solution is more houses.
The year saw the arrival of some much needed and long overdue
legislation which will improve the working lives of approximately
8,000,000 people: the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963.
It comes into force in 1964 and for the first time, it will be possible
to compel employers in these concerns to provide proper conditions of
health, welfare and safety for their staffs. It is a hopeful sign
that, though many employers will be put to a great deal of trouble and
expense, they seem to welcome the Act, as do their employees.