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12
Particularly important also from the housing point of view are
the measures taken in the Borough to keep municipal tenements free
from vermin. It cannot be too much emphasised that it was
impossible in some of the old and neglected dwellings that have been
cleared or are now being cleared to eradicate vermin. The Ministry
of Health request this year particular information on this subject.
It is interesting to note that the first cyanide gas chamber constructed
in Great Britain for the purpose of vermin destruction was the
Hackney cyanide gas chamber. Other municipalities have now
erected similar chambers, using copies of our plans and specification
for the purpose.
The entire cost of the Public Health service in the Borough,
including all staff and the maintenance of the Tuberculosis
Dispensaries, the Welfare Centres, Disinfecting Station, Isolation
Shelters and Mortuary, and all forms of assistance under the
Tuberculosis and Maternity and Child Welfare schemes is estimated
during the coming financial year to amount to a rate of 7.30 pence.
No allowance is made in this figure for the Ministry's contribution
in the General Exchequer Grant for Maternity and Child Welfare
and Tuberculosis Dispensary services
In conclusion, I have to express my appreciation of the manner
in which my staff have performed their duties. The work of a
Public Health Department is onerous and exacting and, by reason
of the animosities that necessarily arise as the result of faithful
performance of many of their duties, the work must be carried out
with meticulous care in every respect. I am satisfied that the
Council has in the Public Health Department a competent and
conscientious staff. It would be invidious to mention individual
members of my staff. I can state, however, that the Council is
fortunate in having in my Department some officers of exceptional
ability.
I am,
Yours obediently,
G. H. DART,
Medical Officer of Health.