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
Merton 1972
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Merton]
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District Inspection
The following is a summary of the complaints and requests
received and visits made during the year 1972:—
Complaints received—
General disrepair and insanitary conditions 261
Dampness 268
Overcrowding 20
Defective drainage system 132
Blocked drainage system 1,169
Defective drainage fittings 9
Defective sanitary accommodation 62
Defective service water pipes 57
Absence of, or defective dustbins 3
Accumulation of refuse, etc. 378
Rats and mice 2,070
Pigeons 67
Foxes 10
Insect pests 646
Smoke nuisances 169
Noise 119
Smells and odours 182
Unsound food 336
Water supply 68
Miscellaneous 64
6,090
Visits made—
General.
P.H. Act (Nuisance)
P.H. Act (Dwelling houses)
Storage of refuse
Drains testing
Choked drains
Other drainage works
Radioactivity
Child Minders
2,894
2,075
165
46
2,163
1,057
33
336
9,219
Housing.
Housing Act (Dwelling houses)
Overcrowding
Permitted number measurements
Rent Act
Underground rooms
Houses in multiple occupation
Improvement grants
Caravans
Qualification certificates
1,046
40
84
13
57
182
1,740
234
3,513
6,909
56