[Report 1949] / Medical Officer of Health, Brighouse Borough.

  • Brighouse (England). Council. nb2008024084.
Date:
1949
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1949] / Medical Officer of Health, Brighouse Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    12/92 (page 10)
    previously lived. The problem of the squatters is at last near elimination, but the problem of the unfit house remains. The fixing of rents, many of which are at very low levels, and the prohibitive cost of repairs, has meant further deterioration in the sub-standard houses in this district, but until more houses have been built and the present overcrowding has been reduced we shall not be able to see the housing standards in this district which are desirable. It will be seen from the Chief Sanitary Inspector’s Report that once again many visits were made to food preparation premises and food shops in the Borough. I am glad to report that there has been no serious outbreak of food poisoning in this town and improvements were made to many of the premises with the willing co-operation of the traders concerned. The importance of personal hygiene remains, however, paramount. However good the premises, it is the human element which is of the greatest importance. Reference is made in the body of the Report to the work we are doing in smoke abatement. Instruments for the measurement of the smoke nuisance have been installed and will serve as a useful reminder of the smoke pollution of this district. The toll in res- piratory diseases and ill-health from the wasteful use of coal, which is said to be one of our greatest national assets, cannot be over- estimated. It is difficult to see how the domestic smoke nuisance can be eliminated until the density of the houses in the thickly populated part of the town is reduced by the removal of the sub- standard ones. A great deal more could be done, however, by the use of smokeless fuel and by the provision of coke burning grates. It may not be too much to hope that at some perhaps distant date we shall be able to persuade the Englishman to relinquish his coal fire in favour of district heating. At present, however, there is no sign of a change in the attitude of the British public in this respect. In conclusion I should like to thank you. Mr. Mayor. Mr. Chairman, Madam and Gentlemen, for your continued support during the year. I should also like to thank the Town Clerk and the Chief Officials of the Corporation for the help which has been given on many occasions to this Department. The work of the Department has increased materially throughout the year and this has thrown a greater burden on the staif, a burden which has been willingly shouldered. The change in the routine imposed by the system of Divisional Administration has necessitated many adjust- ments and the staff have once again demonstrated that flexibility which is perhaps the prime essential of public health administration. I should like to record once again how much I appreciate their willing help and loyal co-operation. I have the honour to be, Mr. Mayor, Madam and Gentlemen, Your obedient servant. FRANK APPLETON, Medical Officer of Health. December, 1950.