London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Lambeth 1903

Report on the vital and sanitary statistics of the Borough of Lambeth during the year 1903

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64
5. Tramps and Smallpox.
It was resolved:—"That, in view of the recurrent outbreaks of
Smallpox, largely contributed to by a certain class of society, the
Government be requested to take into consideration the necessity
for legislation to deal more effectively with those resorting to
common lodging-houses and workhouse tramp-wards as a constant
and dangerous element in the propagation and dissemination of
Smallpox."
6. Preservatives in rood.
It was resolved:—"That, whenever preservatives are added to
food, their presence, nature and maximum amount should be
indicated on the label, or otherwise declared."
7. Efficiency of Disinfectants.
It was resolved:—"That a Committee be appointed to enquire
into the desirability of establishing a standard bacteriological
method for determining the efficiency of disinfectants, and to take
such steps as may be necessary for ensuring the legal control of
disinfectants" —an important resolution, when it is remembered
that thousands of different disinfectants are on the market, and
that the large majority of these are worthless, if not actually
dangerous, owing to the false security that their use gives rise to.
8. Control of House Drainage.
The disadvantages arising from dual control in regard to house
drainage were brought forward, and the consequent necessity for
all drains of new buildings being laid in under the supervision of
the same set of officers (viz., Sanitary Inspectors), as will have to
supervise, and deal with them at a later date, i.e., when the
buildings are occupied. One department is alone responsible, and
efficient administration thereby obtained. [This is the experience
of the late Vestry and the present Council of Lambeth since
November, 1896, when the drainage of new buildings was transferred
to the Sanitary Inspectors, so that the whole of the drainage
works connected with new and old buildings have been, since that
date, under their supervision; and unnecessary expenses to owners,
and friction between two separate departments have been thus
avoided.]
9. Combined Drainage.
It was resolved:—"That the Government be approached with a
view to obtaining an extended definition of the term 'drain' as
provided in Section 42 of the West Ham Corporation Act, 1898,
which reads as follows:—