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SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES
REPORT OF THE CHIEF SANITARY INSPECTOR
H. AULT. M.S.I.A.
I have pleasure in submitting the Annual Report on the work of the Food and Drugs
Inspector and the Sanitary Inspectors during the year ending 31st December, 1953 and the
Shops Inspector from 1st January, 1953 until the date of his retirement on 4th October,1953.
In presenting my first report since assuming office in July I would like to take
this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the ready co-operation and efficient
services rendered by the technical and clerical staff. My Deputy, Mr.E.R.H.Hodge, took
up duties in November, 1953, and to him also I wish to place on record my indebtedness for
his invaluable support during a period which was not without its difficulties.
Some comment on items of particular interest are provided in addition to the
statistical tables.
The number of dwelling houses in the Borough is 41,663 and the population is 169,100.
WATER SUPPLY. The Metropolitan Water Board are the Statutory Undertakers throughout the
County Borough and the water has been satisfactory in quality and quantity.
There is no evidence of plumbo-olvent action and no cases of contamination were
reported. All the houses, except 2, are supplied direct by pipes. In these two instances
water is supplied to stand-pipes situated in the yards.
FACTORIES ACT, 1937. Generally speaking if a factory is equipped with and uses mechanical
power the administration of the Factories Act, 1937 is the responsibility of the Factory
Inspectors of the Ministry of Labour and National Service, with the exception of the
enforcement of the provision of sanitary accommodation which are dealt with by the Sanitary
Inspectors. In non-mechanically operated factories, the provisions relating to cleanliness
overcrowding, temperature, ventilation and drainage of floors is dealt with by the Sanitary
Inspectors in addition. In the case of food factories all matters relating to the inspection
of food for unsoundness or diseased, and prevention of contamination are the province of the
Sanitary Inspector in any class of factory.
During the year, 1,668 visits were made for the purpose of the Factories Act, 1937,
to 871 factories, and 33 written notices were served in respect of contraventions. In no
case was it necessary to institute proceedings.
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