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
Hammersmith 1967
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hammersmith Borough]
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Rodent Control
Treatment of sewers with sodium fluoracetamide has continued. This method of treatment
has proved most successful in controlling the rat population. A proportion of surface infestations
is directly due to rats coming from defective and disused drain connections to the sewers. Concurrently
with normal surface treatment action is always taken to remedy any defects in house
drains and sewers.
Income from treatment at business premises amounted this year to £171. 17. 6d.
The following is a summary of the work for the year:-
| PROPERTIES | TYPE OF PROPERTY | |
|---|---|---|
| NON-AGRICULTURAL | AGRICULTURAL | |
| 1. Number of properties in district | 497 | - |
| 2 a. Total number of properties (including nearby premises) inspected following notification | 1458 | - |
| b. Number infested by (i) Rats (ii) Mice | 690 768 | - |
| 3. a. Total number of properties inspected for rats and/or mice for reasons other than notification | 342 | - |
| b. Number infested by (i) Rats | 23 | - |
| (ii) Mice | 25 | - |
Pigeons
A contractor is employed by the Council to clear infestations wherever justified complaint
is made. This, however, is not a real solution to the problem which can only be successfully
tackled in London by the concerted effort of all Boroughs and the Greater London Council.
Diseases of Animals Act, 1950
Inspection of premises under the provisions of this Act are undertaken for the Council by
the Veterinary Officer of the City of London.
The following are details of such visits made within the Borough during the year-
Shepherds Bush Market 8 visits
North End Road Street Market 11 visits
Bertram Mills' Circus 1 visit
LICENCES AND REGISTRATIONS
Pharmacy and Paisons Act, 1933
Pharmacy and Medicines Act, 1941
The names and addresses of 155 retailers were entered on the Council's list of persons
entitled to sell poisons under Part II of the above Acts. Many of these persons are food retailers
and in some instances the poisons sold are only household disinfectants, but a careful watch is
kept on commodities sold under proprietary names containing other poisons mentioned on the list.
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