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
Harrow 1973
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Harrow]
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98
SHOPS
The number of occupied shops on the register at the end of the year
was 2,131—nine more than on the 31st December, 1972.
The following is a list of the various types of shops in the Borough classified under their principal trade—the figures for 1972 are shown in brackets :-
| Antiques | 19 | (18) | Mixed Stores | 28 | (27) |
| Boot repairs | 27 | (27) | Motors and Accessories | 143 | (142) |
| Boots and Shoes | 42 | (41) | Musical | 16 | (16) |
| Builders' Merchants | 26 | (26) | Newsagents | 106 | (105) |
| Butchers | 91 | (93) | Opticians | 19 | (19) |
| Chemists | 55 | (54) | Outfitters Ladies | 113 | (107) |
| Coal Order Offices | 17 | (17) | „ Gents | 75 | (75) |
| Cafes/Restaurants | 106 | (104) | Paint and Wallpaper | 40 | (38) |
| Confectionery | 59 | (58) | Photographic | 20 | (21) |
| Drapers | 21 | (22) | Pet Shops | 11 | (12) |
| Electrical, Radio and TV. | 96 | (94) | Public Houses | 54 | (54) |
| Fish Shops | 39 | (39) | Second-hand Wardrobes | 2 | (2) |
| Florists | 28 | (27) | Sewing Machines | 5 | (5) |
| Fruit and Greengrocery | 92 | (95) | Stationers | 16 | (16) |
| Furnishers | 68 | (69) | Tobacconists | 84 | (85) |
| Glassware | 14 | (14) | Toys and Sports | 23 | (25) |
| Grocers | 129 | (132) | Wines and Spirits | 46 | (46) |
| Hairdressers | 134 | (138) | Wools | 19 | (19) |
| Hardware | 54 | (53) | Woodwork, Timber | 24 | (24) |
| Jewellers | 23 | (22) | Miscellaneous | 138 | (132) |
| Leather goods | 9 | (9) |
During the 1,285 visits made, 248 infringements were noted and
dealt with. The majority were in respect of the keeping of records—failure
to maintain plant and equipment to the required standard and the cleanliness
of staff rooms. All were dealt with and in no instance was it necessary
to resort to statutory action.
VERMIN AND OTHER PESTS
Foxes
Twenty-three complaints were received about foxes, many referring
to the "mangy" state of the animals seen. Advice was given but owing
to staff problems it was seldom possible to do more. There is no doubt
the fox population in the area is increasing.
Rodent Control
No major reservoirs of infestation were found in the district and the
distribution of the 1,517 complaints received, indicated that one part of
the Borough is no more heavily infested than another. The majority of
the complaints received appeared to be associated with either the feeding
of birds or pet animals. The investigations that were made also revealed
rubbish and the cover afforded by sheds and outbuildings a likely cause
of infestation.