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In accordance with the directive in the Housing Repairs and Rents Act,
1954, a survey was made of the slums in the Borough and a report made to the
Minister of Housing and Local Government. The problem of demolishing unfit
houses, though not a vast one in this Borough as in other parts of the country,
is still a very difficult one as for every family whose house is demolished
another house must be found, so that with a limited programme of house building
due to shortage of land, the needs of families on the housing waiting list,
perhaps living in overcrowded conditions though not in slums, must be balanced
against the needs of the families who are to be rendered homeless by demolition
of slums: nevertheless as will be seen from the report, progress was made during
the year with the implementation of the slum clearance programme.
The observations on atmospheric pollution at both ends of the Borough
which have been continuous now for a number of years gave an indication that
in 1955 the amount of atmospheric pollution within the Borough had increased.
Individual offenders in this respect were kept under observation and major
improvements in two industrial premises were carried out, yet the figures
continued to be less satisfactory than in 1954,
An increased amount of information concerning the Welfare Services carried
on by both statutory and voluntary bodies within the Borough has been collected
and is included in this report.
It is particularly interesting to be able to report the popularity of the
Meals on Wheels Service. This success unfortunately brings in its train
difficulties with regard to the supplying of all who need the service and it
was necessary to report that the waiting list was growing very large by the
end of the year. Noteworthy also was the opening of a club which old people
could if they wished use daily and which offered bright premises, refreshments,
social occasions and individual advice and help. This should be an important
piece of preventive health work as it may overcome the feelings of loneliness
and uselessness which often lead to deterioration in the minds and bodies of
people who have retired from an active life but have been unable to organise
their leisure.
Acknowledgements are due to the many people who have supplied information
for the purpose of this report including the Secretary of the South West
Middlesex Hospital Management Committee the County Medical Officer, the County
Welfare Officer, the Area Medical Officer, the Physicians of the Chest Clinics
in Ealing and Hounslow, the County Public Control Officer, the Divisional
Officers of the British Red Cross and St. John s Ambulance Associations, the
Organiser of the Invalid Kitchens of London the local Medical Practitioners,
the Manager of the local Labour Exchange, and Chief Officers of the Council
In conclusion I should like to thank the Chief Sanitary Inspector and all the
members of the Public Health Department Staff for the good work they do, not
only in assisting in the preparation of this Report, but at all times.
I am. Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
Margreat a. Glass
Medical Officer of Health
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