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4. Public Health Inspection.
The wide range of public health duties to which attention is
given is shown in Table 17. The increase in the number of inspections
made in the year (2,337) is due entirely to the expanding programme
of creating Smoke Control Areas in the Borough.
The number of complaints received in 1960 (Table 19) shows a
decrease of 36 due to fewer notifications of infestations by rats and
mice. Every effort is made to ensure that each complaint is investigated
within twenty-four hours of its receipt. Table 18 indicates the
number of informal and statutory notices served for the repair of
premises and the abatement of nuisances, and in no instance was it
necessary to institute legal proceedings.
5. Disinfection and Disinfestation.
There has been no increase in the treatment of premises after
cases of infectious disease or of bed-bug infestation. The spraying of
School Kitchens operating under the School Meals Service has continued
and involves one treatment in the year by D.D.T. solution.
The fumigation of clothing before being sent abroad is carried out
to assist members of the public to satisfy Post Office regulations, and
a small charge is made for the treatment.
A summary of the work done is contained in Table 20.
6. Atmospheric Pollution.
(a) Smoke Control Areas. The first Smoke Control Area,
covering the south-west corner of Ham, operated from the 1st October
1960, and it is evident that full co-operation has been given by the
owners and occupiers of dwellings in that area.
The second Order was made by the Council in October and
awaits confirmation by the Minister of Housing and Local Government.
It covers an area in Ham and Petersham to the south of Sandy
Lane, approximately 1,910 acres in extent and includes 902 private
dwellings, 615 Council houses and 84 other premises. The work on
the survey of these premises was made possible by the appointment of
a Technical Assistant who commenced duty in March.
Two members of the staff attended courses held by the Coal
Utilization Council on the use of smokeless fuel appliances, and
during the year talks were given to three voluntary organizations in
the Borough on the subject of Clean Air.