London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Barking 1937

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barking]

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84
One hundred and forty-three visits were paid to these 36 premises, and 18
contraventions of the byelaws were discovered and any necessary action taken.
At the oil boiling factory the installation is of modern design, and the general
supervision is careful. Notwithstanding this there has been emission of noxious
odours due no doubt, amongst other things, to acrolin. Your officers have
consulted with H.M. Inspector of Alkali etc. Works and the County Analyst.
Certain suggestions have been put forward, and although the present position is
unsatisfactory, it can be said that steps are being taken to try to deal with the
situation.
(6) Piggeries.—There are three remaining piggeries in the district.
(7) Stables.—These premises continue to be a source of trouble. The
occupiers are invariably unable financially to carry out any improvements.
The Council has made byelaws for the control of these premises.
Thirty-seven visits were paid during the year to stable premises, and 9 notices
were served in respect of unsatisfactory conditions.
(/) Rats and Mice Destruction Act, 1919.
There were 66 visits made to premises under this Act.
The location of the source of infestation is of the greatest importance, and
little can be achieved to prevent re-infestation unless this is discovered.
Usually infestation is found to be directly due or associated with defective or
disused drains, particularly where the premises are subject to interior infestation.
At some houses in Romford Street, abutting upon open land, we were unable
to discover the source of infestation and unfortunately re-infestation has occurred.
The matter is being dealt with by the use of baits.
Repressive Measures.—Occupiers are encouraged to carry out the trapping of
rats themselves, and the owners are called upon to effect rat-proofing where the
source of the infestation is other than defective drains.
Advice is given by the sanitary inspectors and a free issue of suitable raticides
is made to householders.