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W.C. cisterns repaired 32
Water Closets cleansed 11
W.C. pans provided 19
Windows repaired or renewed 120
Fireplaces and stoves renewed or repaired 57
Sinks provided 5
Offensive accumulations removed 13
Water supply repaired for domestic use 23
Verminous premises fumigated and cleansed 5
Ventilation provided under floors. 10
Sanitary accommodation for workshops 4
Miscellaneous 184
Notices Served.
Intimation notices 479
Statutory notices: —
Public Health Act, 1936 99
Housing Act, 1936 —
Drainage Work. At 6 houses the drainage systems were
entirely reconstructed and at 55 houses extensive repairs to drains
were carried out. Smoke and water tests were applied to the
drains of houses in 105 instances, and obstructions were removed
from drains at 88 houses.
Food Supply. The systematic survey of all food shops and
catering establishments commenced in 1949 was continued during
the year, and 1,093 inspections were made for all purposes.
Improvements in conditions were effected in several premises.
Impetus to the drive for cleaner food was given by the calling
together of all food traders by the Council in March when it was
decided to set up a Food Advisory Committee " to sponsor and
encourage the best practice in the distribution and handling of
food ".
As a first step to publicity, a Clean Food Exhibition was
held at the Merton Public Hall in collaboration with the Ministry
of Agriculture (Pest Infestation Division), and considerable interest
aroused. Further follow-up meetings, films shows, and
lectures had to be curtailed and this promising work deferred
owing to a deterioration in the staffing position. It was unfortunate
that the new Byelaws regulating the Handling, Wrapping,
and Distribution of Food came into force at this moment when the
resources of the Department were fully extended and the additional
enforcement impracticable except to a very limited extent.
At the time of preparing this report, the position has been retrieved
and various projects to publicise the need for care in handling
food are under consideration.
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