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6.
would therefore urge all those who are eligible to take advantage of this
service which is available through the family doctor or the London County
Council Clinics.
The priority groups are all persons under the age of 40, expectant
mothers and any persons who are likely, by the nature of their work, to
come into contact with a case of poliomyelitis.
389 bacteriological specimens were sent for examination to the laboratory
at County Hall and I wish to thank Dr. Tomlinson and his staff for
their invaluable help and assistance.
30 notices were served under the Food Hygiene Regulations and subsequent
visits by the Inspectors showed the necessary works to comply with
the regulations either completed or in course of completion.
201 samples were taken during the year under the Food and Drugs Act
and details of the results of these samples will be found on page 39.
It has been noticed that, in general, the standard of hygiene in
butchers' shops in the Borough has improved greatly during the last year.
Alterations to the structure of the premises, together with redecoration
in many instances, have brought about a decided improvement in the shops.
Many occupiers have provided new fixtures and equipment in order to
facilitate the easy and more hygienic handling of meat.
Visits to cafes by the Food Inspector have revealed that compliance
with the Food Hygiene (General) Regulations is a matter of education and
persuasion rather than that of legal action. This is because there is
an increasing number of immigrants taking over catering businesses in
Stoke Newington, and much of the Inspector's time is spent in explaining
the provisions of the Regulations and in advising the occupiers of the
cafes how to comply with the legal requirements.
It has been found that even when improvements have been effected,
frequent re-visits are necessary to maintain the standard of hygiene
required.
Rodent Control continues to form an important part of the work of
the Department,, The trend for rat nuisance complaints to reduce has
continued during this year. The bi-annual treatment of the Council's
sewers coupled with the repair of defective drainage, has its cumulative
effect in reducing the amount of surface infestation in the Borough.
Whilst the number of rat complaints reduces, there is a corresponding
increase in the number of complaints of mice infestation. I do not
feel that this reflects any increase in the degree of infestation in the
Borough but an increasing awareness on the part of the public that help
and advice are available. Modern baits and poisons are proving very
effective in dealing with mice infestation.
An increasing proportion of mice complaints are found, upon investigation,
to be in houses in multiple occupation. These present particular
problems owing to the large number of tenancies and the low standard of
hygiene which are very often present in these houses. The occupants are
generally co-operative and it is usually possible to arrange for a communal
treatment which is necessary to secure the disinfestation of the
premises.