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10
SANITARY ADMINISTRATION.
Complaints. During the year, 2,426 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 14,113 inspections,
including re-inspections, were carried out by the sanitary inspectors. Included
in this number are 2,011 primary inspections on complaint of nuisances, and 326
on account of infectious disease.
The number of inspections of factories, workshops and workplaces was 192.
Defects were found and remedied in 11 instances.
The number of intimation notices served was 955 and the number of statutory
notices 300. Only in 58 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 two 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. Cyanide, however, was not
used throughout the year. During 1940, 3,016 inspections of verminous houses
were carried out and the necessary action was taken. As a preventive measure
all infested furniture from bombed houses taken into store was treated with contact
insecticides during the process of storing and the stores were carefully inspected
by an experienced inspector at regular intervals for some months. As a result
the bed bug problem in these furniture stores did not arise.
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919. The number of inspections of rat
infested premises made during 1940 was 535. In 96 instances it was necessary to
secure the repair of defective drains. Fifty-eight premises were made rat-proof
and other effective measures were taken in 60 instances.
HOUSING.
The total number of dwelling houses inspected for housing defects under the
Public Health or Housing Acts was 2,766, and the number found not to be in all
respects reasonably fit for human habitation was 1,136. The number rendered fit
in consequence of informal action by the sanitary inspectors (including the service
of intimation notices) was 959. Statutory notices were served in respect of 177
houses.
New Houses. Certificates of a proper and sufficient supply of water were
issued for 160 new houses. Of these 23 were in respect of houses built by the
Council.