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
Hackney 1948
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hackney]
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60
It will be recalled that the Ministry of Food, and latterly the
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, have issued several circulars
and directives on rodent control since 1941, and certain items of
expenditure incurred by local authorities in carrying out this work
have been re-imbursed by these Ministries. In this connection,
special attention was given during the past year to the comprehensive
rodent control scheme contained in Ministry Circular
N.S. 12, and a systematic survey and treatment of the whole
borough with regard to rodent control, involving a premises to
premises enquiry and treatment as found necessary, on the lines
recommended by the Ministry, was commenced on the 1st September.
There can be no doubt as to the value of this scheme, both as
regards abating the annoyance caused to householders by rats and
mice, and also in bringing to notice defective drains and sewers
which, not forgetting the migration of rats along railways and
waterways, is the only really important source of infestation in
this Borough.
Statistical Summary.
| Survey Scheme 1st September to 31st December. | Routine Complaints 1st January to 31st December. | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total number of premises in which evidence of rats and mice was found | 1,152 | 718 | 1,870 |
| Total number of premises cleared | 1,048 | 724 | 1,772 |
| Pre-baits laid | 8,192 | - | 8,192 |
| Poison baits laid | 5,222 | 5,320 | 10,542 |
| Number of premises at which other methods were adopted | 75 | 33 | 108 |
FACTORIES ACTS, 1937 and 1948.
Outwork.—The occupier of every factory, and every contractor
employed by any such occupier in the business of the factory, are
required to keep lists giving full particulars of the names and
addresses of all outworkers employed by them, in regard to such
classes of work as may be prescribed by the Secretary of State, and
also to supply twice a year (in February and August) copies of such
lists for the information of the Council.