View report page

Fumigations» One hundred, and twenty three vessels were fumigated for rodent
destruction and the issue of International Certificates under the supervision of
your Inspectors. The fumigant in every case -was hydrogen cyanide and resulted in
the recovery of 1,729 rats and 474 mice. (Table "H").
Rodents - A total of 5,896 rats were destroyed and their bodies recovered during
the course of the year, 2,497 in ships and 3,399 on shore premises in the Port.
In addition 2,393 mice were destroyed, 471 in ships and 1,922 on shore premises.
(Tables "E" and "F").
Of the 816 rats examined bacteriologically, 428 were from vessels and 388
from shore premises. No rat was reported to be infected with plague. (Tables "E"
and "F").
Psittacidae. The work under the Parrots (Prohibition of Import) Regulations, 1930,
still in operation, is reported on page 34.
Water Barges. Fourteen water barges were in use during the year. The registration
of these craft by the Port of London Authority is made conditional upon the
report of your officers as to the fitness of the barges for the carriage of
drinking water as also upon the purity of the water thus carried. To this end a
number of samples were taken for examination during the year (see page 34)..
House Boats. The new Houseboat Bye laws are still in draft form. Action under the
existing Byelaws was taken in respect of two houseboats (see page 34).
Imported Foods. The total amount of foodstuffs seized and condemned for human
consumption and either reconditioned or disposed of for animal consumption or for
industrial purposes under guarantee or destroyed outright either by burying or
burning was 1,711 tons as compared with 937 tons during 1948. (See page 30).
Shellfish. Action taken under the Public Health (Shellfish) Regulations, 1934 is
reported on page 35.
Instruction of D.P.JI. and D.I.H. class in Port Health work.
Arrangements have continued during the year for giving practical instruction
to Post-Graduate Students of the Royal Institute of Public Health and the London
School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine taking their course for the Diploma in
Public Health and in Industrial Hygiene. The students paid visits to one or other
of the Dock groups and have been given practical demonstrations of the day to day
work of the Port Health Services on the River and Docks.
Your Medical Officer wishes to take this opportunity of thanking the Officers
of His Majesty's Customs, of the Port of London Authority, the Pilots and members
of the staffs of the Shipping Companies and Merchants for their collaboration
and assistance in every aspect of the work of the Port Health Authority throughout
the year.
Your Medical Officer also has pleasure in reporting that all members of your
staff have carried out their duties both willingly and efficiently.
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
M.T. MORGAN.
(4)