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Disinfection
The Council undertakes, free of charge, the disinfection of rooms,
articles of clothing and bedding after cases of Tuberculosis and
occasionally other Infectious Diseases. Requests for the steam
disinfection of bedding, etc., other than for notifiable illness, are met
but a charge is made for the service. During 1958, 23 applications
were received and accounts rendered for £23 16s.
During the year, 463 Library books were collected from homes
and hospitals where infectious disease had occurred, disinfected and
returned to the Library of origin.
Mortuary
The administration of the Beckenham Mortuary is the responsibility
of the Public Health Department, the Mortuary Attendant being
a member of the Medical Officer's staff.
During 1958, 151 bodies were brought to the Mortuary where
post-mortem examinations were conducted by a Home Office
Pathologist. Thirty-seven Inquests were held in the Town Hall.
Movable Dwellings
Fifteen families occupied movable dwellings under licence from
the Council during 1958.
Twenty-one inspections of the sites of the caravans were made,
and in no instance was a Public Health nuisance discovered.
Water Supply
The water supply of the area has been satisfactory in quality and
quantity, the Metropolitan Water Board supplying all properties in
the area by main.
Bacteriological examination has been regular, 36 samples being
taken during the year. All proved to be satisfactory.
Drainage
As will be seen from the Table of nuisances remedied, 271 instances
of choked drains were discovered during the year. A great many of
these chokages related to public sewers, i.e. drains receiving wastes
of two or more houses.
The Council accepts as a legal responsibility, the clearance of
public sewers, and the work is undertaken without any charge being
made to the owners or occupiers of the properties. Of the 271 cases
discovered, however, 180 related to private drainage, and in these
cases a charge is made for the work undertaken. Accounts were
rendered for £130 18s. for this work. The Smoke Testing of the house
drains of 14 properties was undertaken, and Accounts were rendered
for £29 8s.
Infestation by Rats and Mice
Five hundred and sixty-two complaints were received in 1958
of which 57 related to business premises. A charge is made for the
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