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

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Southall 1957

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Southall]

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MISCELLANEOUS
Noise Nuisance
Eight complaints of noise were received, seven of which concerned factories. In four
cases, the complaints were justified and abatement was obtained, but in the remaining cases
the complaints were not confirmed.
Rodent Control

The following table gives details of work carried out in accordance with the policy of the Council, as outlined in previous reports.

ReportsConfirmedNon-Confirmed
17280
Business and Industrial31
Domestic141
Rats67
Mice87
Total number of visits in 1957, 1,636
Sewers1st Treatment2nd Treatment3rd Treatment
Total number of manholes baited.995233
Number of poison takes29227

There was a considerable improvement in the figures for rat infestation during 1957,
coupled with a deterioration in those for infestation with mice. It has been remarked in
other areas that a fall in the rat population may be associated with an increase in mice and
other small mammals.
The third treatment this year was necessary because of the use of a new bait (oily
Warfarin).
Pet Animals Act, 1951
Seven establishments were licensed during the year. The number of animals kept in
each case is small and conditions have remained satisfactory.
Administration of the Shops Acts
Because of the continued staff shortage and priority given to other duties, visits to shops
in connection with Shops Acts Regulations show a further decrease.
River Pollution
Reports of samples taken from the River Brent at the three points of junctions with
the Grand Union Canal within the Borough continue to be received from the Middlesex
County Council from time to time.
Following an unsatisfactory report on an effluent discharging to the River Brent, one
factory in the Borough installed a settlement tank and a petrol interceptor, and some
improvement in the river resulted.
Establishments for Massage and Special Treatment
Eight establishments were inspected for licence under this heading and all were found
satisfactory for the purpose which was intended. Details are as follows:—
Purpose No. of Licences
Chiropody only 4
Massage, Chiropody and Electrical Treatment 4
Medical Examination of Borough Council Employees
During 1957, a total of 91 medical examinations were carried out on applicants for
Borough Council employment or members of the Borough Council staff. These examinations
were carried out with regard to suitability for employment on the Council's permanent
staff, for entry into the Sickness Pay Scheme, or for review after prolonged periods of sick
leave.
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