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

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Mitcham 1933

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Mitcham]

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30
pig he could only be expected to behave like a pig. It was therefore
the duty of the local authority, if they found persons living in conditions
not conducive to health but to degradation, to prevent them
from dwelling in such conditions. In other surroundings the structures
in question might be perfectly suitable residences, but they were at
present all cooped up together in a narrow yard, which was
unpaved, undrained, and muddy in wet weather, and in which
various businesses were carried on. There was only one tap for the
use of the whole of the people living in those structures. In those
circumstances, if the Council satisfied him that they were entitled
to the declarations for which they asked as a matter of law, they
had also satisfied him that this was a case where he ought to
exercise his discretion, and where it was eminently desirable in the
public interest that such a state of things should cease. There
would therefore be judgment for the plaintiffs for the declaration
sought.
SMOKE ABATEMENT.
Fifty-three observations were kept on chimneys during the year.
In connection therewith four notices were served and the nuisances
abated.
SCHOOLS.
The supervision of the public elementary schools is under the
control of the Education Department of the Surrey County Council.
The sanitary fittings, etc., however, are inspected periodically
by the Sanitary Inspectors.
Water Supply.—All schools have a constant supply of water
from the mains of the Metropolitan Water Board.
Medical Inspection.—The medical inspection of school children
is carried out by the Education Department of the Surrey County
Council.
Closure of Schools.— No school has been closed by the local
authority during the year.