PUBLIC HEALTH
1126
PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE:
17th February, 1959.
Present: Councillor Mrs. Haslam (in the Chair); Alderman Mrs. Nott Cock,
Councillors Cross, Mrs. Davies, Eckert, Mrs. Edgeworth, Mrs. Edwards, Hines;
Mason, Matthews, Seymour and Wood, M.B.E.
PART I.—RECOMMENDATIONS.
RECOMMENDATION I: Appointment of Health Advisory Council.
On 25th November, 1958, your Committee considered a joint report of the
Town Clerk and the Medical Officer of Health upon the question of extending
the functions of the Harrow Food Hygiene Advisory Council, possibly under
a new name, to include not only those relating to the Clean Food Campaign
but also matters relating to Safety in the Home and Clean Air, especially as,
with regard to the latter, your Committee had earlier agreed to proceed with
the implementation of the provisions of the Clean Air Act, 1956, at the earliest
possible moment.
Your Committee are cognisant that many changes have occurred in the field
of food hygiene since the formation of the Harrow Food Hygiene Advisory
Council in 1949, the main one being the coming into operation of the Food
and Drugs Act, 1955, and the Regulations made thereunder, which now
legislates for most matters for which the Advisory Council, by their Clean
Food Campaign, had set out to achieve as a voluntary effort by the food
traders. Your Committee nevertheless fully appreciate that there is still a need
for educating the public in the subject of food hygiene. Much of the clean
food propaganda of recent years has been most effectively combined by the
Medical Officer of Health and his staff with general environmental health
education, and it is on this basis that your Committee propose to widen the
scope of the Advisory Council's activities and to include among its members,
representatives of Organisations and Bodies possessing special knowledge on
the problems of Clean Air and Safety in the Home.
The Harrow Food Hygiene Advisory Council have been kept fully informed
of your Committee's intentions and, upon being asked for their views, they
favoured the proposal to increase the scope of their present activities concerned
with the clean food campaign, by adding the subjects of clean air and safety
in the home, provided there was no detriment to the present Clean Food
Campaign, and they also agreed to an increase of membership of persons
qualified or knowledgeable in the two further subjects, a suggestion with which
your Committee are fully in accord.
On 17th February, 1959, your Committee considered a further report of the
Town Clerk (including a suggested Constitution for the new Advisory Council)
as to the number of persons to be asked to serve on the new Advisory Council
and the local organisations which might be asked to nominate representatives,
and, in this connection, it was thought most desirable to include in the
membership of the new Advisory Council, one representative each from the
Eastern Electricity Board (Northmet Sub-Area), the North Thames Gas Board
and the Local Coal Merchants, all of whom appointed each year, until its
cessation, a representative to serve on the former Harrow Local Fuel Advisory
Committee. In the cases of the Electricity and Gas Boards, it is felt that their
representatives would have knowledge and experience of two of the main
subjects, namely, Clean Air and Safety in the Home.
Your Committee are also of the opinion that the Harrow Youth Council
should be invited to appoint a representative to the Advisory Council, and that
the total membership of the Advisory Council should not be limited at this
stage, as, in the light of experience gained, it might become necessary to add
1127
PUBLIC HEALTH
to the membership, a person or persons knowledgeable in one or more of the
subjects with which the Advisory Council will be dealing.
The following recommendation is accordingly submitted:
Resolved to RECOMMEND:
(1) That the Council hereby approve the setting up of a Health Advisory
Council, to replace the Harrow Food Hygiene Advisory Council, its terms
of reference being as follows:—
" To consider all matters relating to Food Hygiene, Clean Air, Safety
in the Home, and such other matters as are referred to the Advisory Council
from time to time by the Public Health Committee, and to make
recommendations thereon to that Committee."
(2) That the initial membership of the Advisory Council shall be nineteen,
comprised as follows; it being understood that the Advisory Council shall
have the power to co-opt any additional persons as members as it thinks
desirable, namely:—
Five Members of the Public Health Committee.
One representative from each of the following Organisations or Bodies:—
(i) Greater Harrow Chamber of Trade.
(ii) Women's Co-operative Guild.
(iii) National Council of Women of Great Britain.
(iv) North Middlesex Federation of Townswomen's Guilds.
(v) Harrow Federation of Townswomen's Guilds.
(vi) Harrow Trades Council.
(vii) Union of Shop Distributive and Allied Workers.
(viii) Retail Fruit Trade Federation, Ltd.
(ix) Harrow and District Grocers' Association.
(x) London Retail Meat Traders' Association, Inc.
One representative from each of the following:—
(i) Eastern Electricity Board (Northmet Sub-Area),
(ii) North Thames Gas Board.
fiii) Local Coal Merchants.. M r> Ojt ,..
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One Representative from the Harrow Youth Council.
(3) That the Constitution for the Health Advisory Council (a copy of
which is separately circulated with this Report), be approved.
(4) That the Council place on record their recognition and appreciation
of the invaluable work carried out in the Borough by the Harrow Food
Hygiene Advisory Council in the field of Food Hygiene and Health
Education since its formation in 1949.
PART H.—MINUTES.
1746. Minutes: RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Committee
held on 6th January, 1959, having been circulated, be taken as read and
signed as a correct record.
1747. The Town Clerk's General Report: RESOLVED: That the Town Clerk's
General Report (17th February, 1959) be received.
1748. The Medical Officer of Health's General Report: RESOLVED: That the
Medical Officer of Health's General Report (17th February, 1959) be
received.
/
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1128
1749. Chief Public Health Inspector's Report: RESOLVED : That the Chief Public
Health Inspector's Report (17th February, 1959) be received.
1750. Incidence of Infectious Diseases: RESOLVED: That the Committee receive
the Medical Officer's Report as to the notification of infectious diseases in
the Borough, during the following periods, viz.:—
28th December, 1958 to 7th February, 1959;
28th December, 1957 to 7th February, 1958; and
Six weeks from 15th November to 27th December, 1958.
1751. Housing Act, 1957, Sections 16 and 17: Nos. 1 to 6 (inclusive), Kirby
Cottages, Church Road, Stanmore: Resolution 1713 (6th January, 1959): The
Town Clerk reported that Statutory Notices had been served in respect of
these dwellings, and that no representations had been received from interested
persons.
RESOLVED: That the report be received; that, pursuant to section 17 of the
Housing Act, 1957, the Town Clerk be authorised to seal Closing Orders in
respect of the properties known as Nos. 1-6 (inclusive), Kirby Cottages,
Church Road, Stanmore; and that the question of re-housing the occupants
thereof be referred to the Housing Committee.
1752. Housing Act, 1957, Sections 16 and 17: 76, Roxeth Hill, Harrow:
Resolution 1712 (6th January, 1959): The Town Clerk also reported that
Statutory Notices had been served in respect of this dwelling; that the owner's
Surveyors had stated that, since the specification of works to be carried out
were prepared and agreed by the Chief Public Health Inspector, the owner
had reconsidered her decision not to sell the property, and that, accordingly,
negotiations for the sale had been re-opened, and would, it was anticipated,
be successfully concluded.
RESOLVED: That the report be received; and that further consideration of
the question of making a Closing Order in respect of this dwelling, be deferred
until the next meeting.
1753. Maintenance of Sewers: RESOLVED: That, pursuant to section 24 of the
Public Health Act, 1936, Notices be served upon the owners of the under­
mentioned premises (a) notifying the Corporation's intention to commence,
after the expiration of twenty-one days from the date of the service of the
Notice in each case, the works of maintenance, specified in the report of the
Chief Public Health Inspector, dated 17th February, 1959, to the lengths of
public sewers serving such premises, and (b) stating that any representations,
made within seven days from the date of the service of the Notice in each
case, as to the need for, and reasonableness of, the proposed work, will be
considered at the next meeting; and that, in the event of no such representa­
tions being received, the Chief Public Health Inspector be hereby authorised
to proceed with the work and that the cost thereof be recovered from the
owners concerned, namely:—
144-170 (even Nos. inclusive), Butler Road, Harrow;
144-170 (even Nos. inclusive), Streatfield Road;
193-215 (odd Nos. inclusive), Pinner Road, Harrow; and
62-82, Church Avenue.
1754. Drainage of Buildings: RESOLVED: That, pursuant to section 39 of the
Pubhc Health Act, 1936, Notices be served upon the owners and/or occupiers
of the under-mentioned premises, requiring within a period of twenty-one
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PUBLIC HEALTH
days from the date of the service thereof, the execution of the works specified
in the report of the Chief Public Health Inspector (17th February, 1959);
and that, in the event of failure to comply with the terms thereof, the Chief
Public Health Inspector be hereby instructed to arrange for the carrying out
of the work, and that the expenses reasonably incurred in so doing be
recovered from the owner/occupier concerned:—
84, Weald Lane;
72, Church Avenue; and
1, 3 and 5, Ashton Court, Greenford Road.
1755. Defective Water Closets: RESOLVED: That, whereas it appears that the
water closet provided for or in connection with the under-mentioned building
is in such a state as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance, and that the
same can, without reconstruction, be put into a satisfactory condition,
Notice be served upon the owner of such premises, pursuant to section 45
of the Public Health Act, 1936, requiring such person to execute such work
within twenty-one days from the date of the service of the Notice, or to
take such steps by cleansing or otherwise, as may be necessary for that
purpose, namely: 38, Graham Road.
1756. Abatement of Nuisances: RESOLVED: That, pursuant to section 93 of the
Public Health Act, 1936, Abatement Notices be served upon the person or
persons by whose act, default or sufferance, the nuisance referred to in the
report of the Chief Public Health Inspector (17th February, 1959) exists at
the under-mentioned premises, requiring abatement thereof, within twentyeight days from the date of the service thereof in each case; and that, in the
event of failure to comply with any of the requirements thereof, the Chief
Public Health Inspector be hereby instructed to take summary proceedings,
pursuant to section 94 of the Public Health Act, 1936, namely:—
22a, Station Parade, Whitchurch Lane; 29, Marlborough Road;
49, Ruskin Gardens;
2a, Springfield Road;
21, Everton Drive;
19a, Station Road, Harrow;
202, Honeypot Lane;
86, Welldon Crescent;
54, Royston Park Road;
76, Rosslyn Crescent;
38, Graham Road;
266a, Northolt Road;
7, Greer Road;
101, Roxeth Green Avenue; and
49, Byron Road, Wealdstone;
254, Merlin Court,
27, Hamilton Road;
Alexandra Avenue.
1757. Housing Act, 1957: 2-40, Headstone Drive, Harrow: Arising out of
resolution 1660 (25th November, 1958), the Chief Public Health Inspector
reported that the remainder of the houses forming part of this terrace had
now been demolished, and the site cleared.
RESOLVED: That the report be received, and noted.
1758. Slaughterhouse at Stanmore Hill: The Town Clerk (a) submitted a
Petition, dated 18th January, 1959, which was presented to the Council on
30th January, 1959, signed by thirty-seven residents of Green Lane and
Stanmore Hill, Stanmore, strongly protesting against the use of the slaughter­
house in Green Lane/Stanmore Hill, and urging the closure of the premises;
(b) reminded the Committee that, on 6th January, 1959, the Chief Public
Health Inspector had expressed anxiety about the present extent of slaughter­
ing carried out at this slaughterhouse, and that the Committee had deferred
consideration of the renewal of the licence for 1959 of these premises, pending
a further report thereon by the Chief Public Health Inspector;
PUBLIC HEALTH
1130
(c) reported (i) that the Petition was submitted to the Planning Committee
on 10th February, 1959, as was an application for planning permission to
carry out alterations and additions to the slaughterhouse, when that
Committee were informed by the Chief Public Health Inspector that the
alterations and additions were such as the Public Health Committee would
require to bring the premises up to the statutory standard including provision
for an increase in the number of killings at the slaughterhouse, the killings
having increased substantially in recent months; and (ii) that the application
for planning permission referred to above was refused on the grounds that
" the proposal would be an extension of a non-conforming use," but that,
in view of the interests of both the Planning Committee and this Committee
in the matter, the Planning Committee had decided to ask the General
Purposes Committee to consider what should be the Council's policy in
regard to slaughterhouses in the Borough, and as to whether a public
abattoir should be provided.
Having received a report by the Chief Public Health Inspector generally
about this slaughterhouse, and being informed that conditions thereat were
giving rise to contraventions of The Slaughterhouses (Hygiene) Regulations,
1958, and The Slaughter of Animals (Prevention of Cruelty) Regulations,
1958, it was
RESOLVED: That the Petition and report be received; that the application
for the renewal of the licence, in respect of this slaughterhouse, be not
granted; and that the Town Clerk be instructed to inform the applicant and
the petitioners of this decision.
1759. Food and Drugs Act, 1955, Section 62: Renewal of Slaughterhouse
Licences for 1959: Resolution 1733 (6th January, 1959): Having received a
report of the Chief Public Health Inspector upon the two slaughterhouses
at High Street, Wealdstone, and Dennis Lane, Stanmore,
RESOLVED: That further consideration of the question of the renewal of
licences for 1959, in respect of both slaughterhouses, be deferred to the next
meeting.
1760. The Slaughter of Animals Act, 1958: The Town Clerk submitted
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Circular FSH2/59 (15th January,
1959), intimating (a) that the above-mentioned Act came into operation on
18th January, 1959, and does not alter the existing law but reproduces it in
a form easier for reference, and consolidates the following Acts:—
(i) The Slaughter of Animals Act, 1933;
(ii) The Slaughter of Animals (Pigs) Act, 1953;
(iii) The Slaughter of Animals (Amendment) Act, 1954;
(iv) The Slaughterhouses Act, 1958, section 8 and Second Schedule;
(b) that the Slaughter of Animals (Prevention of Cruelty) Regulations, 1958,
and the Slaughter of Pigs (Anaesthesia) Regulations, 1958, are continued in
force by section 12 (2) of the new Act.
RESOLVED: That the Circular be received, and noted.
1761. The Meat (Staining and Sterilization) Regulations, 1950: The Town
Clerk submitted Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Circular
FSH1/59 (9th January, 1959), enclosing a copy of the above-mentioned
Regulations, which the Minister has made jointly with the Minister of Health,
and which come into force on 1st April, 1959, and reported (a) that the
Regulations provide for the staining and sterilizing of all meat which is
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PUBLIC HEALTH
unfit for human consumption, and all meat from knackers' yards, as well as
prohibiting the sale by retail of any unfit meat unless it has been sterilized,
exceptions being made only for sales from slaughterhouses and knackers'
yards to zoos, menageries and mink farms;
(b) that the Regulations are to be enforced by local authorities (including a
Borough Council), and port health authorities, and prescribe the maximum
penalties provided for in section 106 of the Food and Drugs Act, 1955.
RESOLVED: That the Circular be received, and noted.
1762. Proposed Installation of Steam Disinfector at Peel Road, Wealdstone:
Arising out of resolution 1506 (3rd June, 1958), the Town Clerk submitted
a letter, dated 26th January, 1959, from the Minister of Health, stating
(a) that, after consulting the Secretary of State for the Home Department
on the need for additional Civil Defence training premises in the Honeypot
Lane building, the Minister had approved, in principle, the building of a
new disinfector and steam-raising plant at the Council's mortuary site at
Peel Road; (b) that, accordingly, the Council will no doubt take steps
to appropriate the site for this purpose, in accordance with section 163 of
the Local Government Act, 1933, and (c) that sketch plans be submitted in
order that the technical aspects of the scheme may be considered, and would
be prepared sympathetically to consider an application for loan sanction in
due course.
RESOLVED: That the report be received, with satisfaction, and that the
Town Clerk be asked to proceed accordingly.
1763. Atmospheric Pollution: (A) The Town Clerk submitted a letter, dated
31st January, 1959, from Alderman Gange, J.P., referring to his question at
the Council Meeting on 30th January, 1959, relating to clean air; reporting
incidents (one of them quite recent) of rather heavy smoke which he had
observed being emitted from the chimneys of two industrial undertakings in
the Borough; and asking what steps can be taken to prevent the burning of
industrial waste which may cause the nuisance.
Having received a report of the Chief Public Health Inspector upon the
points raised in Alderman Gange's letter,
RESOLVED (1): That the letter and report be received; and that the Town
Clerk be instructed to convey the Chief Public Health Inspector's observations
in this matter to Alderman Gange.
(B) Arising out of resolution 1434 (18th February, 1958), whereby Messrs.
Westerdick and Sons, Elmgrove Road, were asked to secure an early
abatement of a nuisance caused by the emission of grit from their factory
chimney, the Chief Public Health Inspector reported that, following this
request, a marked improvement had occurred, but that recently further
trouble had been experienced in this respect, although this again had now
been satisfactorily dealt with.
RESOLVED (2): That the report be received; and that the Chief Public
Health Inspector be instructed to keep these premises under observation.
(C) The Town Clerk (a) submitted a Petition, dated 29th January, 1959
signed by thirty-five residents of St. Paul's Avenue, Kenton, complaining of
the pollution of the air from a factory in that part of Honeypot Lane in the
Borough of Wembley, and reported that, in July, 1958, a similar Petition had
been received from residents in the same quarter, although, at that time, a
different factory from the one now in question was concerned; (b) reported
PUBLIC HEALTH
1132
that, in July, 1958, he had taken up the matter with the Wembley Council,
and, up to the date of the recent Petition, no further complaints had been
received; and (c) that he had now been informed by the Town Clerk of
Wembley that his Council have been very conscious of the need for improve­
ment in the Honeypot Lane area and have endeavoured to secure the control
of factory odours over the past twelve months, and, in the case of the firstmentioned factory, a satisfactory reduction in the emission of odour was
effected; that, in respect of the recent complaint, a new treatment process which
neutralises the obnoxious nature of the fumes has been given extended trials,
and these are continuing. This is necessarily protracted, but enquiries of
residents in one street have shown that there has been a slight improvement,
and that the matter is being pursued by both the Company and Wembley
Council, although it may be some time before the problem can be solved.
RESOLVED (3): That the Petition and report be received; and that the Town
Clerk be instructed to inform the petitioners of the action being taken by
Wembley Borough Council in this matter.
1764. Local Authorities and the Aged: (A) Arising out of resolution 1732
(6th January, 1959), the Town Clerk reported that the General Purposes
Committee had appointed four representatives (two of whom were members
of this Committee) to meet representatives of the Harrow Old People's
Welfare Committee for a discussion of (i) possible arrangements for
increasing and extending the present services for old people in the Borough;
(ii) increasing the Council's representation upon the Harrow Old People's
Welfare Committee by the appointment thereto of the Chairmen for the
time being of the General Purposes and Public Health Committees; and
(Hi) a suggestion that reports of the Harrow Old People's Welfare Committee,
and its Sub-Committees, should be submitted to the General Purposes
Committee and to this Committee.
RESOLVED (1): That the report be received, and noted with satisfaction.
(B) The Chairman (Councillor Mrs. Haslam) submitted a written report
upon her attendance, with the Medical Officer of Health, at a Conference
on " The Elderly in the Community," arranged by the Central Council for
Health Education, held in London on 22nd January, 1959.
RESOLVED (2): That the report be received, with thanks and appreciation.
1765. Nuisance from Pigeons: Arising out of resolution 1724 (6th January,
1959), the Town Clerk reported that the General Purposes Committee had
concurred in this Committee's suggestion that the Association of Municipal
Corporations should be asked to press for the inclusion of a clause in the
Government's pending Public Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, to
extend to authorities outside the County of London (which would include
the Borough Council) a power similar to that in section 121 of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1936, and that the Association had now stated that
the Council's views in this matter were consistent with those of the Association,
and that they have informed the Minister of Housing and Local Government
that, in their opinion, a similar clause to section 121 should be included in
the Bill now pending.
RESOLVED: That the report be received and noted.
1766. London and Home Counties Clean Air Advisory Council: RESOLVED : That
the Borough Treasurer be hereby authorised to pay the Council's annual
subscription of two guineas to the above-mentioned Body, for the financial
year ending on 31st March, 1959.
1133
PUBLIC HEALTH
1767. General Hospital Service: Arising out of Council resolution 1495 (25th
July, 1958), whereby representations were made to the Ministry of Health
and the North West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board, urging additional
hospital accommodation in the Borough, the Town Clerk submitted a letter
from the Minister of Health, dated 6th February, 1959, stating
(i) that the Minister has now considered the North West Metropolitan
Regional Hospital Board's proposal that there should be a new hospital
at Northwick Park; and, although not able to accept the building of the
whole of a new hospital for inclusion in the Government's centrally
financed programme at this stage, he has decided to include a first phase,
provided that this does not exceed £1 million, exclusive of professional
fees and the cost of equipment, and had, therefore, asked the Regional
Hospital Board to endeavour to complete the planning of this scheme by
1960/61;
(ii) that, as in previous years, the Minister has had to allow for the
possibility that the planning of some schemes may be delayed, and has
consequently added to his programme more schemes than can be started
in any one year, and it does not necessarily follow that a start will in all
cases, immediately follow the completion of planning;
(iii) that the North West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board are
responsible for the grouping of hospitals for management purposes, but
the Minister does not expect to receive their proposals regarding the
ultimate administration of this hospital until a later stage; and
(iv) that the Minister has accepted a proposal made by the Regional
Hospital Board to group the Harrow and Wembley Hospitals with the
Harefield and Northwood Group Hospital Management Committee as
from the 1st April, 1959.
The Town Clerk also submitted a letter from the North West Metropolitan
Regional Hospital Board, dated 30th January, 1959, reiterating the Minister's
remarks, and stating that, within the financial limit above mentioned, the
Board are proceeding with the development of a scheme with all possible
speed, and are actively considering what can be provided in the first phase.
RESOLVED: That the letters be received, and noted.
1768. The Royal Society of Health: Annual Health Conference at Harrogate:
Resolution 1678 (25th November, 1958): RESOLVED: That, in view of the
Chairman (Councillor Mrs. Haslam) not being able to attend the abovementioned Conference, Councillor Matthews be hereby appointed to attend
in her place.
1769. The Association of Public Health Inspectors: Annual Conference at
Margate: RESOLVED: That the Vice-Chairman (Councillor Seymour) be
appointed the representative of the Council to attend, with the Chief Public
Health Inspector, the Annual Conference of the Association of Public Health
Inspectors at Margate, from 15th to 18th September, 1959.
1770. Hazards of Radiation: (1) Arising out of resolution 1648 (4) (21st
October, 1958), whereby the Minister of Housing and Local Government was
asked for clarification of his policy with regard to the notification to local
authorities when radioactive materials are brought into, or pass through, their
areas, the Town Clerk submitted a letter, dated 15th January, 1959, from the
Minister, stating (a) that the Ministry obtain details of all deliveries by the
Atomic Energy Authority in order to ensure that no hazard arises from the
disposal of radioactive waste, and wherever necessary, particular cases are
PUBLIC HEALTH
1134
followed up, and, where appropriate, pressure is brought to bear on the user
to apply for any consent that may be needed from a local authority or a
river board for the discharge of radioactive wastes, and that details of
deliveries are also passed to the Ministry of Labour and National Service
who take corresponding action with regard to handling and use of radioactive
sources in factories and workplaces; (b) that the arrangements under which
the Ministry obtain this information are of a confidential nature and, because
of this, they have not felt able to transmit this information to other
authorities as a matter of routine, but it is their practice in answering
enquiries from local authorities, to give them a general appreciation of the
extent of the use in their areas, including the number of users and the
quantities and types of activities involved; (c) that, since the beginning of
1956, deliveries of radioactive materials within the Borough have been made
to five establishments only, three of which were industrial concerns, and,
following enquiries by the Ministry, it can be said that no waste disposal
problem is predictable in relation to these deliveries; and (d) that the
Government has under review a number of aspects of its policy in relation
to radioactivity hazards; that urgent consideration was being given to a
long-term code of legislation governing all disposals of radioactive waste,
and that the Minister would shortly be opening discussions thereon with the
Local Authority Associations, and one matter to be considered will be the
provision of information to local authorities necessary to carry out their
functions; and that, since discussions with the Associations are likely to take
place within the next two or three months, it is desirable to await the outcome
rather than to set up partial and ad hoc arrangements at the present time.
(2) The Medical Officer of Health reported upon the sources of radiation to
which the general public is to-day exposed, and stated (d) that samples of
pasture, vegetable and animal life are regularly examined radiologically and
chemically; that the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and the
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food jointly exercise control of fluid
effluents to rivers, estuaries and the sea off-shore; that the responsibility for
monitoring soil, herbage, farm animals, milk and other foodstuffs is under­
taken by the Agricultural Research Council, the Atomic Energy Research
Establishment remaining responsible for monitoring air and rainwater and
for analysing the radioactivity present in samples of human bone.
RESOLVED: That the letter and report be received, and noted; and that the
Town Clerk be instructed to report again in four months upon the outcome
of the discussions to be held, as mentioned in (1) above, if then concluded.
1771. House Overcrowding: (1) Arising out of resolution 1590 (1) (16th
September, 1958), the Medical Officer of Health reported that the younger
family at 121, Long Elmes, Harrow Weald, had been re-housed at Aylesbury,
and that the overcrowding is now only half a unit.
RESOLVED (A): That the report be received.
(2) Arising out of resolution 1638 (1) (21st October, 1958), the Medical
Officer of Health reported that the Director of Housing of the London
County Council had re-housed one family (the principal tenant's son, his
wife and child) from 107, Moorhouse Road, Kenton, leaving nine adults, all
of the same family, living in the house, and that the Director was now looking
into the possibility of offering the principal tenant a larger house.
RESOLVED (B): That the report be received, and noted.
1135
PUBLIC HEALTH
(3) Having received the observations of the Medical Officer of Health upon
Housing Case No. 170, referred to in resolution 1741 (2) (6th January, 1959),
RESOLVED (c): That the report be received, and noted.
1772. Middlesex County Council Act, 1944, Part XII: Establishments for
Massage or Special Treatment: RESOLVED: That the following be registered
by the Council, until 31st March, 1960, as persons authorised to carry on
establishments for massage or special treatment at the premises stated
hereunder, and that licences be issued accordingly:—
C. S. Arnold, 27, Exeter Road, South Harrow;
A. C. Back, 190a, Northolt Road, South Harrow;
S. Barnard, 70, Sherwood Road, South Harrow;
G. G. Bedward, 40a, Station Road, North Harrow;
Mrs. E. C. Blackburn, 20, Nower Hill, Pinner;
A. Blum-Chassereau, 5, Amersham Road, Harrow;
A. Buczek, 326, Rayners Lane, Harrow;
J. H. Burden, 304, Kenton Road, Kenton;
Miss G. N. Burgess, 31, Love Lane, Pinner;
K. P. Carson, 107, Spencer Road, Wealdstone;
J. A. L. N. Darnton, 213a, Station Road, Harrow;
Miss E. Freeman, 39, Howberry Road, Canons Park, Edgware;
H. G. Gillett, 72, Gayton Road, Harrow;
Miss E. M. Humphrey, 5, College Road, Harrow;
B. L. Humphreys, 58a, High Street, Pinner;
Mrs. J. E. Humphreys, 58a, High Street, Pinner;
J. F. Ingrey, 32, St. Ann's Road, Harrow;
Miss W. K. Johnson, 146b, Kenton Road, Harrow;
S. S. Knight, 12, St. John's Road, Harrow;
Mrs. I. N. Leigh-Grundy, 24, Kynaston Close, Harrow Weald;
Mrs. D. M. Neeter, 36, Elm Park, Stanmore;
Mrs. D. E. Praeger, 50, Sheepcote Road, Harrow;
Mrs. G. E. Pragnell, 63, St. Thomas' Drive, Hatch End;
Miss F. Sabin, 40, College Road, Harrow;
Messrs. L. J. and P. J. Smith, 11, The Bridge, Wealdstone;
R. J. Turvey, 87, Streatfield Road, Kenton;
Watford and Harrow Co-operative Stores, 35/43, High Street, Wealdstone;
M. Williams, 1, Camden Row, Pinner Green;
S. H. Williams, 7, Gresham Road, Edgware;
Mrs. G. O. Williams, 7, Gresham Road, Edgware;
Miss N. Wimbush, 432, Pinner Road, Harrow;
Mrs. P. I. Young, 79, Bridge Street, Pinner;
Mrs. G. Hancock, 79, Bridge Street, Pinner;
F- G. Wood, 166, Streatfield Road, Kenton; and
Mrs. H. G. Wood, 166, Streatfield Road, Kenton.
1773. Immunisation against Poliomyelitis: The Medical Officer of Health
reported upon the progress made in the immunisation campaign since the
Government's authorisation, in Sej|ember, 1958, of the two main extensions
of previous arrangements, one that a course of treatment should be three
doses, instead of two, and the other, the raising of the age of eligibility for
treatment to twenty-five.
RESOLVED: That the report be received.
PUBLIC HEALTH
1136
1774. Dogs in Foodshops: Arising out of resolution 1697 (25th November,
1958), whereby the Committee considered whether a byelaw could be made
prohibiting dogs being brought into food shops, the Town Clerk reported
(a) that the suggestion that dogs should be excluded from foodshops was
first considered by the Harrow Food Hygiene Advisory Council in October,
1949, when it was decided to circularise all food traders in the Borough
enquiring whether they were desirous of, and would be prepared to support,
an application to the then Minister of Food for favourable consideration
being given to the making of a byelaw prohibiting dogs from all shops in
the district where food is prepared, stored, handled or distributed; (b) that,
as a result of a favourable response from these traders, the Committee agreed,
in principle, to the making of a byelaw, regard being had, however, to the
points raised by certain shopkeepers, namely, the difficulty and possible loss
of trade confronting shopkeepers on the boundary of a district where a
byelaw prohibiting dogs from shops might be in force, whilst no such byelaw
operated in the adjoining district, and the question of placing the onus of
compliance with any such byelaw upon the dog-owner or tradesman; and
an approach was accordingly made to the Minister; (c) that, in May, 1950,
the Minister stated that he appreciated the intention behind the Committee's
suggestion, but that he had been advised that the phrasing of the byelaws
then in force, made under section 15 of the Food and Drugs Act, 1938,
could not be interpreted as covering the actual prohibition of dogs in shops;
(d) that, following consideration of Ministry of Food Circular MF 20/51
(24th October, 1951), suggesting that voluntary action would be the best
solution to the problem, the Committee distributed to food traders throughout
the Borough, where the proprietors were willing to display them, appropriately
couched Notices, signed by the Medical Officer of Health, suggesting to
customers that, in the interests of hygiene, dogs should not be brought into
food premises, and these Notices were remodelled and replaced in September,
1957, and are now displayed at many food shops throughout the Borough;
(e) that, on 3rd January, 1959, the Ministry of Health, being now the
confirming authority for byelaws under section 15 of the Food and Drugs
Act, 1955, was asked whether the Minister would favourably consider an
application from the Borough Council aimed at making such a byelaw, but
that the Minister had stated that the question of taking dogs into food shops
was carefully considered during the preparation of the Food Hygiene
Regulations, 1955, and, whilst he recognised that there is much to be said
for such prohibition, he considered it doubtful whether in practice a
prohibitive regulation, or byelaw, would prove successful, as it was felt that
it would be difficult to enforce such a requirement because an authorised
officer of the local authority would be unlikely to witness an offence, and
the shopkeeper would probably be unwilling to bring a charge against a
customer.
RESOLVED : That the report be received; and that further consideration of
this matter be deferred for the time being.
1775. Proceedings of Local Area (Health) Committee No. 5: (1) The
Town Clerk submitted the decisions taken by the Area Committee on 26th
January, 1959.
(2) Arising out of resolution 10 of the report of the Area Committee referred
to above, in which it is reported (d) that a 1-473-acre site at Whittlesea Road
was taken on lease with a view to being ultimately used for a health centre,
^ Upf°n '25 °f an acre of which a clinic and car Park was provided, and
•723 of an acre of which was at one time released as being not required
1137
PUBLIC HEALTH
for health service purposes; and (b) that it is now proposed to retain the whole
of the site for the erection (additional to the clinic and car park) of a special
training school to replace the present School at Rayners Lane Assembly Hall,
which would result in no substantial development of clinic or health centre
facilities being possible in addition to the provision of the School, the Town
Clerk reported that the General Purposes Committee had urged the Middlesex
County Council to make early provision for the erection of a permanent
Special Training School for handicapped children in place of the temporary
Special School at the Rayners Lane Assembly Hall, and in negotiations with
the County Council in connection with new letting terms in respect of the
Special School at the Rayners Lane Assembly Hall, the County Valuer had
stated that he is instructed to negotiate on the basis of a further three years,
which would appear to be the time within which the County Council hope
to provide a new Special School at Whittlesea Road.
RESOLVED: That the report be received.
1776. Rent Act, 1957: Certificates of Disrepair: RESOLVED : That the Committee
receive, and note, the decisions, as shown below, of a meeting (6th January,
1959) of their Special Sub-Committee re Certificates of Disrepair, pursuant
to the Rent Act, 1957, viz.:—
Number of Applications for Certificates granted
...
...
7
Number of Undertakings accepted from owners
...
...
7
Number of Applications by owners for Cancellation of
Certificates
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
1
Number of Applications by Landlord, or Tenant, for a
Certificate as to the remedying of defects
...
... 21
Number of Objections by Tenants to Cancellation of a
Certificate upheld
...
...
...
...
...
...
2
Number of Objections by Tenants to Cancellation of a
Certificate not acceded to
...
...
...
...
...
2
1777. Clean Air Act, 1956: Smoke Control Areas: (1) Pursuant to resolution
1165 (2nd April, 1957), the Medical Officer of Health submitted a report
upon the selection of an area and subsequent steps to be taken, including
a plan of suggested areas in the Borough which might be suitable as
smoke control areas.
(2) The Town Clerk submitted Ministry of Housing and Local Government
Circular 5/59 (26th January, 1959), stating (a) that the Minister has, in con­
sultation with the Clean Air Council, reviewed the progress made in establishing
smoke control areas since the powers of section 11 of the Clean Air Act,
1956, became available to local authorities on 31st December, 1956, it being
appreciated that about half the smoke in the atmosphere comes from domestic
stoves and fireplaces burning coal, most of it discharged at low level and, not
normally being dark smoke, is therefore not covered by section 1 of the Act,
but that smoke control orders under section 11 are the means provided by
the Act for dealing with it; (b) that, in the two years since 31st December,
1956, an encouraging response has been made by local authorities when
account is taken of the novelty of the powers and of their purpose, and the
Minister hopes that from now on it will be possible to make faster progress,
especially in removing the smoke pall from the "black areas" where air
pollution is worst, although it is realised that the task of bringing under
smoke control the large number of premises involved is a considerable one,
and in the Minister's view needs to be systematically planned and executed
by local authorities. The Circular asks Councils in " black areas " (which
PUBLIC HEALTH
1138
includes the Borough) to consider their domestic smoke problem as a whole
and decide on the smoke control orders that are needed; in what order of
priority they should be made, and how many years it is likely to take to
complete the task. They should then prepare a phased programme for
establishing smoke control areas over the next five years, and informal
consultation between neighbouring authorities on programming may be
desirable, and they should inform the Minister by 30th June, 1959, of their
conclusions. The Circular also draws attention to the desirability of ensuring
that new housing estates, whether built by the local authority or by private
enterprise, should be smoke controlled from the outset, and that, whilst the
Minister has no wish to suggest that outside " the black areas," a systematic
approach to more localised domestic smoke problems is not needed, he does
not consider it necessary, at present, to ask Councils outside " the black
areas " for similar information.
(3) The Town Clerk also submitted a letter, dated 16th February, 1959, from
the Town Clerk of Willesden, stating that his Council propose to form a
Regional Air Council under the Clean Air Act, 1956, and the Hendpn
Borough Council have suggested that Harrow should have an opportunity
of being represented thereon.
RESOLVED: (1) That the Medical Officer of Health's report, the Circular,
and letter be received, and referred to an ad hoc Sub-Committee, comprising
the following Members, such Sub-Committee to consider the question, in
all its aspects (including that of publicity) of designating part of the Borough
as a Smoke Control Area, and to submit their recommendations thereon
to the next meeting of this Committee, namely:—
The Chairman (Councillor Mrs. Haslam); the Vice-Chairman (Councillor
Seymour); Alderman Mrs. Nott Cock; and Councillors Mrs. Davies,
Eckert and Wood; M.B.E.
(2) That the first meeting of the ad hoc Sub-Committee be held on 6th March,
1959.
1778. Rehousing of Families from Insanitary Premises: RESOLVED: That the
Committee receive, and note, the report of the Housing Officer in this matter,
as submitted to the Housing Management Sub-Committee on 9th February,
1959.
1779. Report of Harrow Food Hygiene Advisory Council: RESOLVED : That the
Committee receive the report (2nd February, 1959) of the Harrow Food
Hygiene Advisory Council and, in so far as the same requires confirmation,
and is not otherwise dealt with in this report, it be hereby confirmed.
1780. Food and Drugs Act, 1955: Food Hygiene Regulations, 1955: Injurious
Matter in Foodstuffs: The Chief Public Health Inspector reported that four
complaints had been received about foreign matter in foodstuffs and gave
details about each case.
RESOLVED: That the report be received; and that the Town Clerk be
instructed to send a warning letter in each case to the suppliers of the foodstuffs
concerned.
1781. Food and Drugs Act, 1955: Food Hygiene Regulations, 1955: 291,
Northolt Road: The Chief Public Health Inspector reported that, despite
repeated requests to the firm of bakers trading from the above-mentioned
address, to deal with matters that are giving rise to contraventions of the
Food Hygiene Regulations, 1955, they had failed to execute any work to the
1139
PUBLIC HEALTH
premises, but that they had now stated that, owing to illness, their repre­
sentative had been unable to discuss with him the question of the work
required at the premises, but would do so very soon.
RESOLVED: That the report be received; and that further consideration of
the matter be deferred to the next meeting.
1782. Milk and Dairies Regulations, 1949: Milk (Special Designation)
(Pasteurised & Sterilised Milk) Regulations, 1949/53: Milk (Special Designa­
tion) (Raw Milk) Regulations, 1949/54: The Chief Public Health Inspector
reported that the Watford Co-operative Society Ltd., to whom licences,
pursuant to the above-mentioned Regulations, were issued in November,
1958, had now been re-named the Watford and Harrow Co-operative Society
Ltd., and had requested that the licences be amended accordingly and also
the particulars in the Council's Register of Distributors of milk in the
Borough.
RESOLVED accordingly.
1783. Factories Acts, 1937/48: The Chief Public Health Inspector reported
that a dress manufacturing firm at Northolt Road, South Harrow, had failed
to supply to the Council, lists giving the names and addresses of outworkers
in their employ, as required by section 110 of the Factories Act, 1937.
RESOLVED: That the report be received; and that the Town Clerk be
instructed to draw the firm's attention to the requirements of the Factory
Acts in this matter, and to the penalties imposed for failure to provide the
required information.
1784. Pet Animals Act, 1951: RESOLVED: That, on the payment of the
prescribed fee, licences for 1959, pursuant to section 1 of the Pet Animals
Act, 1951, be hereby granted, under the Corporate seal, to the under­
mentioned applicants, in respect of the premises stated : —
Name and Address of Applicant
Premises
J. P. & R. P. Atkins ...
... 16, Station Parade, Northolt Road.
Aquatic & Aviary Supplies Ltd. 3, Queensbury Circle Parade, Stanmore.
J. Clarke ...
...
...
... 180a, Kenton Road, Kenton.
Peters Food Stores Ltd.
... 142, Station Road, Harrow.
Peters Food Stores, Ltd.
... 464/468, Alexandra Avenue, Rayners
Lane.
R. C. Pickering ...
...
... 154, Pinner Road, Harrow.
G. R. Rogers Ltd.
...
... 20, High Street, Wealdstone.
Mrs. E. Temple ...
...
... 175, Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware.
Mrs. V. M. Wagner
...
... 382, Station Road, Harrow.
E. J. Woodman & Sons (Pinner) 19, High Street, Pinner.
Ltd.
Linscott Bros., trading as
The Granaries, Stanmore Hill.
O. Woodman
F. J. Young
...
...
... 7c, Station Road, Harrow.
W. F. Gammage
...
... 48a, Bridge Street, Pinner.
(Signed)
* Chairman.
xo