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In the report on "Neighbourhood Noise" from the working group of the Noise Advisory Council
a number of useful recommendations are made to enable local authorities to come to grips more
effectively with what is a frustrating problem as far as the public are concerned and the group
trust their proposals will receive the support of the public. There seems to be very little doubt
on this score. There is also little doubt that, if their proposals are implemented, as they surely
must be, health departments will shoulder further responsibilities to preserve the quality of
our public and private life.
During the year under review 177 complaints were received, involving 928 re-visits.
COMMON LODGING HOUSE
It was revealed in the national press during the year under review that a reporter had stayed
for one night at the registered Common Lodging House in Middlesex Street, E.1., which is run by
the Salvation Army. Although the conditions described related to a visit during the previous year
and because of the writings of this particular journalist the problems of the down-and-outs were
once again highlighted.
The levels of infestation found during early-morning inspections still show that lice present
a major source of concern, notwithstanding the fact that during the year there was a considerable
improvement in the numbers of men reporting to the cleansing station - an increase which reflects
both the response to the Public Health Inspector's pressures and persuasions and the
greater willingness of men to attend at the cleansing station of their own volition.
Beds Average Infest- Total No. of
Inspected Verminous aiion Rate Persons Cleansed
1971 6,216 561 9.0% 1,094
1972 4,364 404 9.2% 1,233
One film show and lecture was given by the Public Health Inspector during the year, which
gave information about the life cycle of lice and the preventive measures that need to be taken in
order to keep the problem under control. It is hoped that this kind of service can be repeated
during the forthcoming year to a wider audience. There is still a surprising amount of ignorance
about the nature and origins of lice. Some people still believe that they actually grow from human
beings.
In normal circumstances the life cycle of the louse can be broken, making its propagation
impossible, by various domestic habits and processes, such as changing into night clothes,
regular bathing and washing of hair, laundering of clothes and ironing. These measures contribute
towards the prevention of the spread of this parasite, which requires warmth and human blood in
order that the species may breed. In closely-knit communities where all the occupants do not
carry out these domestic chores, lice can breed at an alarming rate and can spread to nearly all
the occupants of the building.
Towards the end of the year the Salvation Army submitted proposals for improving the Common
Lodging House. These proposals included the reduction of overcrowding by removing a total of
thirteen beds from three of the more crowded dormitories, the repair of certain structural defects,
the maintenance of a constant supply of hot water to wash-hand basins, the construction of
additional sanitary accommodation to serve the fourth and fifth floors, and the provision of showers
in the basement.
During the year, as a result of consultation with the District Surveyor, considerable improvement
has been effected in safety standards and in the means of escape in case of fire.
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