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
Penge 1957
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Penge]
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21
PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT, 1949
Complaints numbering 319 regarding rats and mice were received from
all parts of the district and investigated.
In several cases it was found that defective drains and sewers were
associated with rat infestations and the keeping of animals contributed to the
number of infestations. When considered necessary the drainage systems of the
premises were tested with smoke and colour and any defects found made good.
As in previous years, the foulwater sewers were treated on two occasions,
prebait and poisoned bait being laid in the manholes and side entrances. In
May 218 manholes and side entrances were baited and prebait takes recorded in
122. The figures for the October treatment were 218 manholes baited and prebait
takes recorded in 123.
One full-time rodent operative is employed and the following is a summary of the work carried out by him at premises in the district:—
| Inspections and re-inspections made | 2,901 |
| Premises treated for rats | 316 |
| Premises where rat poison bait taken | 198 |
| Premises re-treated for rats | 296 |
| Estimated number of rats poisoned | 798 |
| Premises treated for mice | 149 |
| Premises re-treated for mice | 92 |
It was necessary to treat some premises on three or more occasions and the
total treatments for the destruction of rodents numbered 853.
RAG FLOCK AND OTHER FILLING MATERIALS ACT, 1951
The object of the Act is to secure the use of clean filling materials in
upholstered articles and other articles which are stuffed or lined. Three premises
are registered in connection therewith.
Samples of materials used at each of the registered premises were obtained
and the prescribed Analyst under the Act reported the tests showed the samples
to be satisfactory and complied with the requirements of the regulations.
MOVABLE DWELLINGS
The camping and caravan site of nearly three acres in the Crystal Palace
Grounds established in 1951 continues to be occupied.
Suites of waterclosets and lavatory basins and hot and cold shower baths are
provided in a brick building on the site and there are suitable arrangements for
the collection and disposal of refuse.
Periodic inspections were made of the camp and it was found on all visits
to be satisfactory.
PET ANIMALS ACT, 1951
This Act came into force on the 1st April, 1952, and regulates the sale of
pet animals. Licences were granted to four applicants, subject to conditions laid
down by the Council, these conditions being based on those recommended by the
R.S.P.C.A. No contraventions were witnessed.