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
Kingston upon Thames 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kingston-upon-Thames]
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12. ERADICATION OF BED BUGS.
During the year only 3 premises were disinfested. One of
these was a house under the control of the Corporation. The
figures are the lowest ever recorded and are a reflection ©f
improved social conditions.
13. COMPLAINTS.
The number of complaints received from the general public
during the year was 500 compared with 544 for the previous
year,, The highest number of complaints recorded was 920 in
1947 and, with the exception of the year 1953, the figures
recorded have shown a steady decline,,
The following is a brief tabulated list of causes for complaints received during 1956:-
| Sanitary Defects | 129 |
| Rodents | 140 |
| 4 | |
| Drains and Sanitary Arrangements | 107 |
| Overcrowding | 7 |
| Food | 24 |
| Nuisance from smoke | 15 |
| Defective Yards and Paving | 8 |
| Insect Pests | 17 |
| 13 | |
| Animals | 1 |
| Others | 35 |
| 500 |
14. RODENT AND INSECT PEST CONTROL.
During 1956 no legal action was required under the
provisions of the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act. 1949.
This is in itself an indication of the co-operation received
from householders and business people.
It is pleasing to record the excellent co-operation of
the officers of adjacent Authorities and the contractors to
British Railways when infestations have been dealt with which
require a co-ordinated effort.
Many rat infestations are traceable to defective drains,
and, more rarely, to faults in sewers. During the year 19
defects of drainage systems were traced which had been the
cause of the infestation,
Rodent Control-Statistical Statement, 1956,Private Dwellings and Corporation Property.
| Rats Mice | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| No. of complaints received in office | 102 | 23 | 125 |
| „ „ premises inspected as a result | 330 | ||
| „ „ „found to be Infested | 157 | 17 | 174 |
| „ „ separate infestations treated | 174 | 10 | 184 |
| „ „ visits for treatment and re-inspections | 1,401 | 92 | 1,493 |
| „ „ premises treated by occupier or other agency | 2 | 7 | 9 |
| „ „ poison baits deposited | 769 | ||