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Sanitary Circumstances of 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, 1958, and In doing so, I would first express
my appreciation of the loyal and efficient services rendered during the year by the Technical
and Clerical Staff under my control.
In addition to the statistical information on the year's work, other details and
comments are given on various items of special interest.
The number of dwelling houses in the Borough is 41,946.
Water Supply
All houses in the County Borough are supplied directly by pipes, the Metropolitan Water
Board being the Statutory Undertakers throughout the area. The water has been satisfactory in
quantity and quality, there being no evidence of plumbo-solvent action and no eases of
contamination having been reported.
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 non-mechanically operated factories, the provisions relating to cleanliness, overcrowding,
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 553 visits were made to factories, and 8 written notices were served in
respect of contraventions of the Act. In no case was it necessary to institute proceedings.
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