London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Battersea 1938
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Battersea Borough]
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96
Rag and Bone Dealers.
Two offences against that part of the by-laws of the London
County Council which prohibits the giving of toys in exchange for
rags, &c. were reported during 1938, the offenders in each case
being itinerant traders. Legal proceedings were ordered in these
cases, the result of which is shown on page 87.
Rag Flock Acts, 1911 and 1928.
These Acts were passed to prevent the use of material known
as rag flock, unless such material complies with the standard of
cleanliness laid down in the Act.
No proceedings were taken under these Acts in Battersea
during 1938.
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.
This Act imposes on local authorities and occupiers of premises
responsibilities in connection with rat repression.
The work carried out during 1938 under the Council's Rat Repression scheme is summarised as follows:—
| Premises visited | 1,810 | Contracts made or renewed | 8 | ||
| Poison baits used | 9,800 | ||||
| Dead rats found | 1,173 | Value of contracts | £113 | 0 | 0 |
| Cash for poison bait, &c. | £3 | 11 | 0 | ||
| Total expenditure (financial year 1938-39) | £235 | 2 | 3 | ||
| Income (financial year 1938-39) | £112 | 12 | 0 | ||
Drains were tested at 68 premises in connection with this
work, and in 55 cases defects of more or less serious character
were found. The presence of rats in houses is usually regarded as
prima facie evidence of drain defects. The work of the Rat Officer
therefore is carried on in close co-operation with that of the district
Sanitary Inspectors.
As in previous years an intensive effort for the repression of
rats was organised during "Rat Week" (7th to 12th November).
Bait was laid in the sewers, and was supplied to all applicants
during the week free of charge. The co-operation of the public
was invited by posters and advertisements, and the results were
good, considerable numbers of rats being found dead.
Destruction of Pigeons.
By Section 121 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936,
the Council have power to destroy doves or pigeons congregating
in such numbers as to cause nuisance, annoyance or damage,
subject to certain limitations imposed by the Act.
No action was taken under this section during the year.
Vermin.
Sections 122 to 127 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936,
confer upon Metropolitan Borough Councils powers for dealing
with premises, articles or persons infested with vermin.