Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Holborn Borough]
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Water.
1. Water for drinking and commercial purposes in this area is supplied by the Metro-
politan. Water Board and has been satisfactory both in quantity and quality.
2. There is a piped supply, and bacteriological examinations of the raw water are
made by the Metropolitan Water Board, who also perform chemical analysis.
3. The water is not known to have any plumbo-solvent action.
4. No action has been necessary in respect of contamination.
5. All dwelling houses have a piped supply, and standpipes are normally used only in
cases of emergency, such as repair of mains.
Two complaints were received regarding the unsatisfactory condition of the water
supplied for drinking purposes.
In one case the Metropolitan Water Board collected a sample, and on analysis the
water proved to be satisfactory.
In the second case it was found that the supply was not from a rising main and
that the tank cover was unsatisfactory. A main water supply was provided and the tank
cover was repaired.
Drainage.
During the year 3,192 inspections were made by the Sanitary Inspectors in connection
with drainage work; 96 applications for approval of proposed drainage work were
submitted together with the necessary plans, and 93 Combined Drainage Orders were
made.
Smoke Abatement.
During the year 9 complaints were received regarding smoke nuisances and 202
observations were made. In most cases, it was found that the nuisance was caused by unsatisfactory
stoking, and conditions were remedied following advice being given by the
District Sanitary Inspectors. In one case it was found necessary to serve a Notice under
the Public Health (London) Act, 1936
Bombed Sites.
Accumulations of refuse on bombed sites present a considerable problem to local
authorities. In very few cases are the accumulations such as to warrant the service of
notice in respect of a " nuisance and there is also the difficulty of assessing responsibility
for the accumulations. In 1949 the Council made a by-law governing fly tipping on
vacant sites in the Borough, but considerable difficulty is experienced in tracing offenders.
Sites cleared by Council, e.g., bedding removed 30
Sites cleared as a result of the service of notices under
the Public Health (London) Act, 1936 5
War-Time Reservoirs for Emergency Water Supplies.
The war-time reservoirs for emergency water supplies were kept under observation
throughout the summer months, with a view to the prevention of nuisance, and in particular
to prevent the breeding of insects. Where necessary, arrangements were made for
accumulations of water to be pumped out by the London Fire Brigade. It is pleasing to
note that with the increase in rebuilding some of these potential sources of nuisance
have disappeared.
Pharmacy and Poisons Act, 1933.
This Act, the Poisons Rules, 1952, and the Poisons List Order, 1952, regulate the
sale of poisons, and every local authority is required to keep a list of persons who are
entitled to sell poisons included in Part II of the Poisons List.
During the year 1952, 36 applications were received for retention on this Council's
list. One application was received for entry on the list.