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
Surbiton 1957
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Surbiton]
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COMPLAINTS
During the year 1230 complaints received with regard to the undermentioned matters were duly investigated and any necessary action taken.
| Choked and defective drains | 281 |
| Insanitary or dilapidated condition of premises | 51 |
| Dampness | 25 |
| Defective or insufficient W.C. accommodation | 16 |
| Defective water pipes or fittings | 6 |
| Insufficient or defective refuse bins | 5 |
| Offensive smells from various causes | 37 |
| Offensive accumulations | 11 |
| Nuisances from animals improperly kept | 3 |
| Unwholesome food | 32 |
| Infestation with bugs or fleas | 4 |
| Infestation with other insect pests | 46 |
| Infestation with rots or mice | 630 |
| Smoke nuisances | 27 |
| Flooding | 44 |
| Dangerous structures | 1 |
| Pollution of watercourse | 1 |
| Miscellaneous | 10 |
| TOTAL:- | 1,230 |
The number of complaints received in the Department during the previous ten years was:-
| 1956 | 1,210 | 1951 | 1,059 |
| 1955 | 1,157 | 1950 | 1,083 |
| 1954 | 905 | 1949 | 1,007 |
| 1953 | 1,037 | 1948 | 986 |
| 1952 | 1,093 | 1947 | 926 |
VISITS MADE BY INSPECTORS.
| Number of dwelling houses inspected for housing defects (under public Health and Housing Acts) | 231 |
| Number of dwelling houses visited for purposes other than housing defects | 3,477 |
| Number of visits to premises other than houses | 2,096 |
| Premises re-inspected | 1,455 |
| Visits to works in progress | 374 |
| Visits re rots and mice | 6,946 |
| Visits re Rent Acts | 206 |
| Miscellaneous visits | 578 |
| Visits re Civil Defence | 59 |
| 15,422 |
Including visits made by Rodent Control staff.
25.