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10
SANITARY ADMINISTRATION.
Complaints. During the year 2,803 complaints of nuisance were received
by the Health Department. After investigation the necessary notices for the
remedy or abatement of the defects or nuisances discovered were served.
Sanitary Inspection of the Area. During the year 19,474 inspections including
re-inspections, were carried out by the sanitary inspectors. Included in
this number are the inspections on complaint of nuisances, and 622 with reference
to infectious disease.
The number of inspections of factories, workshops and work places was 518.
Defects were found and remedied in 9 instances.
The number of intimation notices served was 993 and the number of statutory
notices 180. Only in 35 instances, where the owners did not comply with the
statutory notices, was the Town Clerk asked to institute proceedings. It was, however,
necessary to issue summonses in only 2 instances, as in all other cases the
necessary steps were taken on receipt of a letter from the Town Clerk.
Eradication of Bed Bugs. The methods adopted in Woolwich in this respect
have been reported on very fully in previous reports. During 1939, 4,023 inspections
of verminous houses were carried out and the necessary action was taken.
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919. The number of inspections of rat
infested premises made during 1939 was 387. In 114 instances it was necessary
to secure the repair of defective drains. Fifty-one premises were made rat-proof
and other effective measures were taken in 22 instances. During National Rat
Week held from 6th to 11th November, action similar to that of previous years was
taken. The number of baits laid in sewers was 7,910.
HOUSING.
The total number of dwelling houses inspected for housing defects under the
Public Health or Housing Acts was 3,043, and the number found not to be in all
respects reasonably fit for human habitation was 1,065. The number rendered fit
in consequence of informal action by the sanitary inspectors (including the service
of intimation notices) was 833. Statutory notices were served in respect of 132
houses. Twenty-seven new cases of overcrowding were reported during the year
and 40 cases were relieved. Of these, 12 were re-housed by the Woolwich Borough
Council as part of their general housing policy, and 12 by the London County Council
as part of their abatement of overcrowding policy.