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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, 1959, 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 42,140.
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 cases 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 insoundness or disease, and the prevention of
contamination, are the province of the Public Health Inspectors in any class of factory.
During the year, 591 visits were made to factories, and 10 written notices were
served in respect of contraventions of the Act. In no case was it necessary to Institute
proceedings.
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