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SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA
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 Sanitary
Inspectors during the year ending 31st December, 1955.
Opportunity is taken to express my appreciation of the co-operation and services
rendered by the Technical and Clerical Staff.
Some comment on items of particular interest is provided in addition to the
statistical tables.
The number of dwelling houses in the Borough is 42,308 and the population is 167,900.
Water Supply.
The Metropolitan Water Board are the Statutory Undertakers throughout the County
Borough and the water has been satisfactory in quantity and quality.
There is no evidence of plumbo-solvent action and no cases of contamination were
reported. All the houses except 2 are supplied directly by pipes. In these two instances
water is supplied to standpipes 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 pf Labour and National Service, with the exception of the enforcement of
the provision of sanitary accommodation, which is 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 the case of factories belonging to the Crown, however, the powers and
duties of district councils are administered by the Factory Inspectors and the Sanitary
Inspectors have no power with regard to these factories. In the case of food factories,
all matters relating to the inspection of food for unsoundness or disease, and the
prevention of contamination, are the province of the Sanitary Inspectors in any diss
of factory.
Daring the year 760 visits were made for the purpose of the Factories Act, 1937,
to factories, and 28 written notices were served in respect of contraventions. In no
case was it necessary to institute proceedings.
In the past 25 years a situation has arisen with regard to the administration of
chis Act, whereby the majority of the work connected therewith has passed into the
control of the Factory Inspectorate.
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