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6a
Extract from Local Government Board's Memorandum as to Annual
Reports of Medical Officers of Health, October, igog.
As subjects concerning which the Board desire to obtain, through Annual
Reports of the Medical Officer of Health, not only definite general information,
but record also of particular changes of condition that may have occurred
incidentally or by action of the local authority, the following dese ve to be
specially borne in mind :—
Physical features and general character of the district and general conditions
of its population.
The chief occupations of the inhabitants, and the influence of any particular
occupation on public health.
House accommodation, especially for the working classes: its adequacy and
fitness fot habitation. Sufficiency of open space about houses, and
cleanliness of surroundings. Supervision over erection of new houses.
Action under Parts I., II. and HI. respectively of the Housing of the
Working Classes Act, taken or needed.
Water supply of the district or of its several parts: its source (from public
service or otherwise), nature (river water, well water, upland water, etc.),
sufficiency, wholesomeness, and freedom (by special treatment or otherwise)
from risks of pollution. In the case of waters liable to have
plumbo-solvent action, any facts either clinical or chemical, whether
negative or positive, as to contamination of the water by lead should be
stated, and whether administrative action has been taken during the
year in respect of such contamination.
Milk supply: character and wholesomeness of milk produced within the
district or imported ; condition of dairies, cowsheds, and milkshops;
administration in regard to miik. Tuberculous milk.
Other foods: unsound food and food inspection; sanitary condition of
premises where foods are prepared, stored, or exposed for sale. Meat
inspection, disease in meat, and condition cf slaughterhouses. Action
under Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, taken or needed. Action under
section 117 of the Public Health Act, 1875. Number of carcases and
parts of carcases condemned for tuberculosis.
Sewerage and drainage : its sufficiency in all parts of the district. Condition
of sewers and house rains. Method or methods of disposal of sewage.
Localities where improvements are needed.