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35
Pharmacy and Poisons Act, 1933.—This Act came into force
on 1st May, 1936, and has for its object closer control of the sale of
poisons and poisonous substances. Under it the Medical Officer
of Health and the Sanitary Inspectors are appointed to carry out
the provisions referred to in Part II of the Poisons List. These
chiefly relate to the Sale of Poisons used for domestic, horticultural
and sanitary purposes.
During the year 9 applications to sell poisons under Part II
were received and granted and 61 applied for retention in the
Council's list.
Water Supply.—The whole of the Borough is supplied with
water by the Metropolitan Water Board which is a Statutory
undertaking, and the responsibility for its purity rests with that
Authority. There are 20,794 dwellings with direct connection to
the Board's mains.
No complaints were received during the year as to taste or
possible contamination caused by insects or silt.
During the year 1,009 water supply certificates were granted
under Section 95 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936. Water
fittings have been amended in 228 cases, and extra water supply to
tenement houses in 19 cases.
Underground Water Supplies (Wells).—In the year 1947
the Ministry of Health requested a survey of underground water
supplies in the Borough, and, in my report for that year, I
appended a table giving particulars of all wells known and a map
showing the positions of the borings. Of the 40 wells listed, only 2
are used for the supply of drinking water, and these are properly
supervised, regular testing being carried on throughout the year.
No deterioration has been detected in either of these wells for many
years. Of the remainder, 13 are used for commercial purposes and
25 are disused.
Rodent Control.—During the year the Rodent Scheme, as
approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, lias been strictly adhered
to. In all, 2,142 investigations were made and infestation found to
exist in 676 dwelling houses, 32 shops, 33 factories or warehouses,
and 6 bombed sites. Three infestations were of a major character,
two being brown rat and one ship or black rat.
The monthly average of complaints received was 62, as compared
with 65 last year. It is evident that the members of the public
are still 'rat conscious' as a result of the publicity given to the
scheme and a knowledge of the efficiency of the service provided.