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

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Woolwich 1963

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Woolwich]

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Charges are made for rodent control treatments carried out
at all industrial and business premises; private dwellings are
treated free of charge.
Where defects of a structural nature are found to be causing
or aggravating an infestation of rodents the owner is requested to
remedy such defects. Twenty drains suspected of being defective
were smoke tested by staff of the Department, and four drains were
found to be defective. The defects found were remedied by the
responsible owners. It was not found necessary to serve formal
Notices under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949 in order
to secure abatement of the nuisances found.
With the co-operation of the Borough Engineer the use of the
poison Sodium Fluroacetamide was continued in the sewers. The
sewers were poison baited four times during the year and the results
of the four treatments were very good. A reduction of 94 per cent.
was recorded in the rat population in the sewers compared with the
previous treatments when the poison used was Zinc Phosphide.
HAIRDRESSERS' AND BARBERS' SHOPS
Persons carrying on the business of hairdresser or barber as
well as the premises used for that purpose are required by Section 18
of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1954 to register
with the Council. Minimum standards to which both premises and
equipment must conform are also laid down in Byelaws made by the
Council. The Public Health Inspectors carry out inspections of
hairdressers' and barbers' shops.
There are 63 ladies' hairdressers; 46 gentlemen's hairdressers;
and ten combined ladies' and gentlemen's hairdressers' shops registered
by the Council.
BETTING, GAMING AND LOTTERIES ACT, 1963
Under Part IV of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act applications
are considered by the Council from proprietors of cafes, restaurants
and public houses for permits for the provision of amusements with prizes.
Before considering the applications reports as to the suitability
of the applicant's premises are made by the Health Department. Thirteen
such premises were inspected and reported upon during 1963.
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