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
Beddington and Wallington 1957
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Beddington and Wallington]
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The total number of complaints received was 728. They were due to the following causes:
| Rats and Mice | 155 |
| Housing defects | 60 |
| Choked drains and sewers | 54 |
| Defective dustbins | 276 |
| Defective drainage (including closets) | 35 |
| Unsound or adulterated food | 38 |
| Atmospheric Pollution | 20 |
| Insect pests | 43 |
| Offensive accumulations | 11 |
| Miscellaneous | 36 |
| 728 |
SMOKE ABATEMENT
Number of observations 194
Nuisances observed 5
CLEAN AIR ACT, 1956
A survey was made of 308 houses, including 71 Council houses, in an
endeavour to estimate the implications and cost of the establishment of a
smoke control area for the whole Borough. For this purpose 417 inspections
were made, as a result of which it was found that 85 of the houses
were already equipped to burn smokeless fuel and that the remainder
would require the replacement of 228 stool bottom and other grates if
included in a smoke control area. Estimated figures for the total cost of
such replacements and for the proportion which would be borne by the
Council, were prepared and submitted. It was decided that no action be
taken at that time and that the matter be reviewed in twelve months.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE AND DISINFECTION
Number of visits re cases of infectious disease 232
Number of rooms disinfected 67
Number of library books disinfected 395
OFFENSIVE TRADES
Number of offensive trade premises in district Nil
34