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

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Dagenham 1952

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Dagenham]

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26
National Assistance Act, 1948—Section 47
From time to time information is received of persons, invariably
aged men and women, who are unable to look after themselves and
are without proper care and attention. In four cases (one male and
three females) there was for some time persistent personal objection
to removal to an institution. In each case, however, the voluntary
agreement of the person was eventually obtained and removal
arranged through the County Welfare Department.
Although these cases required many visits and much patience
and tact, the effort is considered well worthwhile inasmuch as it was
unnecessary to use the statutory power for compulsory removal.
Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials Act, 1951
Two premises have been registered under Section 2 of the Act.
Two licences for the manufacture and one licence for the storage
of rag flock have been issued.
One manufacturer has ceased the production of rag flock owing
to persistent failure to comply with the test in respect of Chlorine
content. It is anticipated that when facilities are available on the
premises for the washing of the raw material (in the past washing
was carried out at laundries: only new material being used) production
will be resumed.
The other manufacturer of rag flock occupying new premises
and using modern equipment has experienced some difficulty in
complying with the soluble impurities test (permitted maximum
1.8%). The whole system of processing is being investigated with a
view to finding a solution to the problem.

Samples taken during the year were as follows:—

MaterialSatisfactoryNot Satisfactory
Rag Flock34
Cotton Felt2
Coire Fibre1
Kapok2
Sisal1
Woollen Felt1

Pet Animals Act, 1951
Five licences authorising the keeping of pet shops have been
issued.
The conditions attached to the licences are those approved by
the Association of Municipal Corporations. Premises are regularly
inspected and no serious breach of the conditions has arisen.
Slaughterhouse
An application for a licence in respect of a slaughterhouse which
has not been used since 1939 but which has been licenced annually
during the intervening years, was not granted because of recent
alterations which rendered the premises unsuitable for use as a
slaughterhouse. The necessary notice was served upon the occupier
but was not complied with and the licence lapsed.