London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Hendon 1960
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hendon]
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Drain Tests
The following drain tests were-carried out:–
| (a) for prospective purchasers of properties and reports submitted | 14 |
| (b) in connection with applications for advances for the purchase of properties under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1958 | 185 |
| (c) in connection with the investigation of nuisances or on completion of repairs | 173 |
| TOTAL | 372 |
For this service under (a) and (b) a fee, usually £2.2.0. is charged. This fee
is at present under consideration.
Insect Pests
Complaints of ants, bees, book-lice, bugs, carpet beetles, clover-mite, cockroaches,
fleas, flies, furniture mites, larder beetles, silver fish, wasps, wood
boring insects and wood lice were all dealt with during the course of the year by the
Public Health Inspectors as part of their normal routine duties, and advice given on
the best means of eradicating the pests and preventing a re-infestation of the premises.
11 cases of bug infestation and one of infestation by fleas were successfully
dealt with by one of the Council's rodent operatives, part of whose time is devoted
to pest destruction.
He also destroyed 451 wasps nests. This is a free service given by the Council.
The nests were situated as follows:–
(1) in open ground 130
(2) in buildings 173
(3) in roofs of buildings 148
451
Where the provision of ladders is required, or the removal of roof tiling or the
taking up of flooring etc, is necessary to expose the nest, this work has to be
undertaken by the householder. The Council's operator attends with the builder,
destroys the nest when it is exposed and leaves the builder to reinstate the roof,
etc.
58