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The frequency of change of occupation in the shops and smaller
businesses continues to be surprisingly high amounting to some 15%
annually in these categories. It is obviously desirable that a fairly frequent
inspection of such premises should be made—some authorities suggest biannual
or even quarterly visits. This was impossible but the policy adopted
by the Public Health Committee in 1957 was adhered to. This involved
the further inspection during 1962 of all those premises found unsatisfactory
in some respects in 1961 and then a concentration on those formerly
satisfactory premises oldest in date of last inspection. While all the
premises last inspected and found satisfactory in 1958 were revisited and a
start made on those of 1959, this three-year period between inspections
can only be a source of considerable concern.
HOUSING
A total of 134 houses were inspected for "sanitary defects" under the
Public Health and Housing Acts. Few major works of repair were needed
and informal action secured the required result in all but 23 cases where
statutory action had to be taken. Legal proceedings were not necessary in
respect of any of these cases. These 134 houses were inspected as a result
of complaint by the tenant or possibly while calling for another purpose,
i.e. Infectious Disease control. It is desirable, however, that a systematic
inspection should be going on by way of house-to-house visiting.