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With the massive development and reconstruction schemes now taking place within areas of
the Port Health District particularly at Tilbury, it would appear that certain other aspects of the
Clean Air Act for which the Authority is responsible will assume growing importance. Particular
reference is made to section 3 of the Act which requires compulsory notification of the proposed
installation of certain new furnaces and the optional submission of plans for approval together
with the requirements to satisfy the Authority on the matters prescribed in Section 10, in regard
to the height of chimneys of new buildings and also recommendations contained in Ministry of
Housing and Local Government circular on chimney heights.
LOADING AND TRANSPORT OF REFUSE BY LIGHTERS
The inspection of lighters engaged in this trade and routine visits to the loading wharves
have been maintained during the year.
There has not been any change in the number of wharves and docks used for the loading of
refuse within the district.
Spillage of refuse into the river still remains a problem. However, the improvements which
have already commenced at one loading wharf, and those scheduled by the Greater London
Council for some of the other wharves, should minimise this problem in the future.
No prosecutions were instituted during the year. Minor infringements were immediately dealt
with by direct personal representation
HOUSEBOATS
Benll eet and Canvey Island
During 1968 the number of houseboats in the area decreased. This decline can be attributed
firstly to the Authority's representations to Benfleet Urban District Council in 1967 and the consequent
refusal by the local authority to issue further consents to moor, and secondly, to the
extension of a refuse tip into the moorings area used by the majority of the boats.
By the end of 1968 the moorings at Benfleet Creek West resembled more a breakers yard than
a houseboat colony with nearly all the houseboats vacated and in the process of demolition.
Of the 16 boats which had been refused consent to moor, 3 had been, or were going to be,
removed to outside the Port of London Health Authority district; one had been moved to Queenborough
(within the district) and the remainder were vacated and being dismantled.
At Smallgains Creek, Canvey Island two boats, one in permanent occupation and the other
used as a weekend boat, had been destroyed.
At the end of 1968 in the Benfleet and Canvey Island area there were only 8 houseboats
4 in permanent occupation; 3 used as weekend boats and 1 used as a club-house by a local yacht
club.
The position with regard to these boats is kept under review and suitable action will be
taken as and when circumstances prove necessary.
DANGEROUS DRUGS
During the year eight certificates authorising the purchase of scheduled Dangerous Drugs
were issued under the Dangerous Drugs (No. 2) Regulations, 1964, Regulation 13 (2) of which is
as follows:-
(a) The master of a foreign ship which is in a port in Great Britain shall be authorised to
procure such quantity of drugs and preparations as may be certified by the medical officer of
health of the port health authority within whose jurisdiction the ship is or, in his absencejay
the assistant medical officer of health, to be necessary for the equipment of the ship until it
reaches its home port.
(b) A person who supplies a drug or preparation in accordance with a certificate given under
this paragraph shall retain the certificate and mark it with the date on which the drug or preparation
was supplied and keep it on his premises so as to be at all times available for inspection.
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