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inaccessible to gypsies' caravans and this, together with
the closing of land by building activity in the area appears
to have borne fruit.
Shops
All shops are regularly inspected, the department
administering the whole of the provisions of the Shops
Act, 1950, the frequency of inspection depending upon
the class of business carried on.
Arising out of these inspections certificates of
exemption from the provision on the premises of sanitary
accommodation were granted in two cases and of
washing accommodation in one case. Satisfactory
alternative arrangements were made in each case.
Licences for the keeping of pet shops were granted
in two instances.
The "late day" for the general closing hours of
shops in the area is Friday, but shopkeepers remain
free to fix their own half day closing subject to the provision
of the Shops Act.
Food Premises
All types of food premises were being regularly
inspected. It was intended that catering establishments
and food preparing premises registered under Section 14
of the Food and Drugs Act should be inspected once a
month although this frequency has not yet been achieved.
It is believed that regular inspection which has
already done a lot of good will in the long run give the
best and most lasting results and will raise the standard
of hygiene at all food premises.
The essential thing about any method employed with
this object in view, is in my opinion, that it must be
continuous. Publicity campaigns have their uses, But
unless backed up by a continuous level of effort, the results
are apt to be very temporary.
Legal proceedings were instituted in respect of a
greengrocer's shop for failure to provide a supply of
hot water, but the summons was withdrawn when satisfactory
provision was made before the date of hearing.