London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Camden 1967

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Camden]

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RAG, FLOCK AND OTHER FILLING MATERIALS ACT 1959
4.20.1 This Act and the Regulations of 1962 require the registration of premises
where specified filling materials are used in connection with certain upholstering and
filling processes, and require the premises used for the manufacture or storage of rag
flock to be licensed. Fourteen premises were on the Council's register throughout 1967
and 1968.
4.20.2 During 1967 and 1968 the Council's public health inspectors took samples,
all of which were subjected to tests prescribed by the regulations.One sample of washed
flock was found to contain only 55 per cent, animal fibre instead of the 60 per cent,
specified on the label. An assurance was received from the manufacturers that future
material would comply with the regulations.
SEWERAGE
4.21 The Council's sewers discharge into those of the Greater London Council,
which is responsible for sewage disposal. Complaints regarding sewers in the Borough
are passed to the Borough Engineer and Surveyor's Department for action.
SLAUGHTER HOUSES
4.22 There are no slaughter houses in the Borough.
SWIMMING BATHS AND PONDS
4.23.1 There are 13 swimming baths in the Borough. The Council owns two in High
Holborn, two at Kentish Town and three at Swiss Cottage. One (the Lido at Parliament
Hill) is owned by the Greater London Council, and five are privately owned.
4.23.2 Ninety-eight samples of water were taken during 1967, nineteen of which were
submitted for chemical and seventy-nine for bacteriological examination. Two bacteriological
samples, both from the same bath, were found to be unsatisfactory owing to the
absence of chlorine due to shortage of stock. Samples taken after replenishment of the
stock were found to be satisfactory. During 1968, seventy-eight samples were taken,
eleven being submitted for chemical and sixty-seven for bacteriological examination.
Two bacteriological samples, both from the same bath, were found to be technically
unsatisfactory, and on investigation it was found that the regular bath attendant had
been absent on leave. The fault was remedied without further action by the Health
Department.
4.23.3 There are also three swimming ponds, one for women and one for men at
Parliament Hill and one used for mixed bathing at Hampstead Heath. These ponds rely on
natural purification, which is satisfactory when a pool is large and receives spring
water to compensate for evaporation and to allow full development of natural pond
vegetation. In addition the ponds receive water from other ponds containing more vegetation
and there is a degree of water-changing by flow between these ponds and by flushing
and drainage after rain. Regular sampling of the pond water is carried out by the Greater
London Council, under whose control they are.
WATER SUPPLY
4.24.1 Water for drinking and commercial purposes in the Borough is supplied by the
Metropolitan Water Board and has been satisfactory both in quality and in quantity. The
supply is piped and regular bacteriological and chemical examinations of the water are
made by the Metropolitan Water Board. The water is not known to have any plumbosolvent
action. It must be regretted that the Council's policy in favour of fluoridation
is still not effective owing to the absence of complete unanimity of local authorities
supplied by the Board. This problem is unlikely to be resolved other than by national
legislation.
4.24.2 No action has been necessary in respect of contamination.
4.24.3 All dwelling houses have a piped supply, and stand pipes are used only in
cases of emergency such as the repair of mains.
4.24.4 Three complaints of water alleged to be impure were received during each of
the two years under review, but on investigation the water was found to be satisfactory.
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