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9
HOUSING.
During the year the Borough sustained very little damage
to property, as the result of enemy action, and in consequence it was
not necessary to make any great demands upon the London County
Council for the re-housing of persons rendered homeless. Thus it
was possible to give consideration to a number of cases requiring
re-housing either on the grounds of medical necessity or overcrowding.
The issue of Ministry of Health Circular No. 2845
authorised the requisitioning of premises for cases other than for
war damage. This allowed for the re-housing in requisitioned
premises of families which were overcrowded and many hundreds of
cases known to be overcrowded were passed to the Chief Billeting
Officer for investigation and re-housing within the terms of the
circular.
Apart from the re-housing of families little activity in
the Housing sphere has been possible and owing to the great demand
for accommodation it has not been practicable to proceed with the
closing of parts of premises such as underground rooms. The
demolition of a large part of the working class houses by enemy
action will demand a complete review of the whole housing situation
in Southwark coupled with the existing plan for the redevelopment of
unhealthy areas.
INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OF FOOD.
During the period under review the inspection of food in
the Borough has received the close and constant attention of the
Department. There was an increase in the quantities of food handled
st the riverside wharves all of which were under continuous supervision
Regular inspection of food factories, dairies, eating houses
and other food premises were made throughout the year and advice and
instructions given where necessary.
Special attention was given to the disposal of sound food
which for various reasons became unsaleable in the shops. This food
was generally used in canteens or for manufacturing purposes. All
food which was found to be unsound was disposed of in the best
interests of the community. The total quantity of food found to be
unsound was 440 tons. 18 cwts and 18 lbs of which some 72 tons, 9 cwts
and 27 lbs was released for animal feeding. In addition 16 tons,
18 cwts, 2 qrs. 17 lbs of unsaleable food was reconditioned.
The Department continued to enjoy close and friendly
relationship with the Salvage Department of the Ministry of Food and
also the Souuhwark Food Control Committee.
MORTUARY AND GORONER'S COURT.
There was a considerable increase in the amount of work
undertaken, due principally to re-arrangement of the Coroner's area,
the Coroner's Court at Colliers Rents being used for a large part of
the South London area. The bodies of persons who died as the result
of enemy action are not accommodated at this Mortuary, but at a
special war-time mortuary In Merrow Street. The following statistics
do not include deaths due to war operations.
Post-mortems conducted without inquest 437
Post-mortems conducted with inquest 177
Inquests held-Post-mortems conducted
elsewhere 48
Bodies accommodated for convenience 5
Total 667