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Scheme—Gas Contaminated Foodstuffs. In accordance
with the Ministry of Food's Circular M.F.G.4 arrangements
were made early in 1941 to recruit and train about 40 parttime
volunteers from the food trades. During the year a
number of practical demonstrations and routine exercises were
carried out by the trained personnel. The Deputy Chief Sanitary
Inspector was appointed as Gas Contamination Officer
and under the general direction of the Medical Officer of Health
is primarily responsible for the operation of the scheme, with
two qualified Meat and Food Inspectors to assist.
The food traders in the district have willingly co-operated
and it is to their enthusiasm and voluntary efforts that a
comprehensive Food Treatment Service has been established.
Factories. The number of inspections made to premises
registered under the Factories Act was: 1940 — 280,
1941—278; 1942—418. Defects relating to Sanitary conveniences,
ventilation and other sanitary matters were dealt
with at 38 premises for 1940, 27 in 1941, and 29 in 1942.
Smoke Abatement. During the year 1940, 21 observations
were made of factory chimneys for the purpose of prevention
or detection of "Smoke Nuisances." At two factories smoke
was found to be emitted in excess quantities. Notices to abate
the nuisances were served, and in each ease the necessary
improvements were carried out to prevent further nuisances.
A bye-law regulating the emission of smoke was adopted by
the Council in 1930.
Water Supply. Six samples of water from domestic taps
were taken in the year 1941 and submitted for chemical or
bacteriological examination, and seven in 1942. The report
on each sample was satisfactory.
Watercourses. Inspections are made of the River Wandle
and its tributaries for the purpose of detecting pollutions, and
samples obtained and sent for chemical analysis. Where
pollutions are discovered arising from trade effluents the
necessary steps are taken to remedy these conditions.
Mosquitoes. A large number of complaints were received
from residents, and paraffin spraying of ditches and stagnant
ponds was carried out.
A.R.P. Shelters. Inspections were made of trench and
surface shelters by the Sanitary Inspectors and particular
attention was paid to conditions such as ventilation, dampness,
flooding, cleanliness and sanitary conveniences.
Rats and Mice Destruction. The Rats and Mice Destruction
Act, 1919, is administered by the Council, the Surrey
County Council having delegated their powers to the local
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