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

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Stepney 1947

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Stepney]

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viz. from 6th January to 18th February 1947 (inclusive)
and from 2nd June to 12th July 1947 (inclusive. The
systen adopted was that recormended, viz. 2 days prepaiting
and 1 day poison baiting. The pre-bait used
was danped sausage rusk and the poison zinc phosphide
(2½%). Approximately 1100 nanholes were treated on
each occasion, at selected points throughout the borough.
RODENT CONTROL, with the exception of sewer-baiting,
was transferred from the Borough Engineer's Departnent
to the Public Health Department on the 8th May 1947 and
the Medical Officer of Health was appointed Rodent Control
Officer. Mr. J.McCarthy, one of the Council's
Sanitary Inspectors, was appointed Assistant Rodent
Control Officer and the Rodent Depot was established at
Branch Road with a staff consisting of a clerk, 3 rodent
investigators and 9 operatives.
Following is a review of the work done by the Rodent
Section of the Public Health Department,' under the Ministry
of Food (Infestation Branch) Comprehensive Scheme,
Circular N.S.12, from the commencement of the scheme on
the 1st April to 31st December 1947, inclusive. The
Scheme operated until the 31st March 1948.
The duty of the Rodent Investigators is to make an
inspection of all premises in the borough and submit a
report of the result of the investigations as to whether
rat or nice infested or not. In the case of business
promises they record the number of baits necessary to
be laid, and the position upon which the charge is made.
Dwellinghouses are, of course, treated free of charge.
Accounts rendered to business premises for work done
for the 9 months total £830:7:0.
The duties of the Operatives consist of the laying
of unpoisoned and poisoned baits in the infested premises,
and the recording of bait "takes" on the work sheet.
Since the commencement of the Scheme complete investigation
of premises has been carried out in six areas and
three areas are in course of investigation. Also a
"Block Control" scheme was carried out in Hessel Street
Market.
In addition, 43 riverside wharves were Investigated but
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