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SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OP THE AREA
Report of the Chief Public Health Inspector
H.Ault, M.P.H.I.A.
I have, pleasure in submitting the Annual Report on the work of the Public Health
Inspectors during the year ending 31st December, 1957.
Opportunity is taken to express my appreciation of the co-operation and services
rendered by the Technical and Clerical Staff.
Comment on items of particular interest is provided in addition to the statistical
tables.
The number of dwelling houses in the Borough is 41,363 and the population is 165,900.
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 houses are supplied directly by pipes.
Factories Act, 1937
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 provisions of
sanitary accommodation, which is dealt with by the Public Health Inspectors. In nonmechanically
operated factories, the provisions relating to cleanliness, over-crowding,
temperature, ventilation and drainage of floors are dealt with by the Public Health 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 Public Health 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 Public Health Inspectors in any class of factory.
During the year 597 visits were made to factories, and 14 written notices were served
in respect of contraventions of the Act. In no case was it necessary to institute proceedings.
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