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
Deptford 1951
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Deptford Borough]
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SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES
| 1938 | 1946 | 1950 | 1951 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total primary inspections | 9,505 | 8,609 | 7,423 | 7,873 |
| Total re-inspections | 19,968 | 23,840 | 25,295 | 25,536 |
| Total intimation notices served | 2,694 | 1,758 | 2,406 | 2,225 |
| Total statutory notices served | 824 | 702 | 935 | 972 |
| Total premises on which works were completed | 2,585 | 1,695 | 2,657 | 2,495 |
| Total improvements effected during the year | 11,425 | 3,937 | 9,950 | 8,563 |
In general defects were dealt with under the provisions of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1936 and the Housing Act, 1936, Section 9, was
only used in one instance.
Smoke Abatement
The problem of nuisance from the emission of smoke, grit, etc., is one
requiring constant attention.
In some instances the industrial process is one where the emission of
smoke cannot be avoided. In some difficulty arises from the poor quality
of the fuel used and in others from the inability through shortages of
material, or labour, or in obtaining the necessary licences, to carry out the
modifications to the plant which would prevent the emission of undue
quantities of smoke.
The regular visits for inspection and observation and the advice given
have produced some improvement but some nuisance does exist from time
to time particularly where high blocks of flats have been built in proximity
to the industrial installations.
Offensive Trades
In two premises in the Borough occupations are carried on which come
within the definition of offensive trades. These have been regularly
inspected and the work in general is well conducted. No notices were
necessary in this connection.