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(19)
The Council is represented on the Standing Conference of Cooperating
Bodies - The national organisation sponsored by the Department
of Scientific and Industrial Research concerned with measurement and
prevention of atmospheric pollution. Early in the year Councillor
Isitt, B.Sc. was appointed the Council's representative -with me, following
the untimely death of Councillor D. G. Allen, B.Sc. , F.R.I.C. , J.P.
In September the Couusil celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the
granting of the Charter with numerous activities including an exhibition
of the work of the Council. The opportunity was taken by the Public
Health Department to illustrate various facets of its work which included
immunisation, clean food, insect pests, rodent control, old peoples
welfare, improvement grants and clean air. A great deal of material was
borrowed and the CourKsil was greatly indebted to the Ministries of Health,
Housing and Local Government and Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Gas, Electricity and
Water Boards, the Coal Utilisation Council, the Solid Smokeless Fuels
Federation, the National Society for Clean Air and many other organisations.
There was a very good attendance by the public -who showed great interest
in the work of this and other departments.
A survey of the sewers throughout the Borough revealed no evidence
of vermin and is a welcome indication of the efficiency of the eradication
measures vhich are taken to deal with surface infestation. Householders
are invited to avail themselves of the free service available to them if
they will immediately notify the department of the presence of rats.
Although the Offices Act, 1960, was due to come into operation
on the 1st January, 1962, no regulations have been introduced which would
make the Act effective.
The Public Health Act of 1961 introduces legislation -which was
previously contained in local Acts and provides for the making of
Building Regulations which will replace Building Byelaws.
The Housing Act, 1961, deals with various aspects of local
authority housing and an important provision enables landlords who
improve their property by means of an Improvement Grant to raise the
rent by 124^ of the expenditure incurred by them in carrying out the
improvements. It is to be hoped that this incentive will encourage
more property owners to take advantage of the generous grants available
to then.
The past year has emphasised the need for constant vigilance in
all matters appertaining to the health of the community. The hazard
of radiation and contamination of food supplies is a potential public
health problem and by the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge of
this subject the public health inspector has an important part to play.