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 1958
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Surbiton]
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COMPLAINTS.
During the year 1,251 complaints were received with regard to the undermentioned matters, were duly investigated, and any necessary action taken.
| Choked and defective drains | 372 |
| Insanitary and dilapidated condition of premises | 37 |
| Dampness | 25 |
| Defective or insufficient W.C. accommodation | 12 |
| Defective water pipes or fittings | 6 |
| Insufficient or defective refuse bins | 6 |
| Offensive smells from various causes | 28 |
| Offensive accumulations | 3 |
| Nuisances from animals improperly kept | 1 |
| Unwholesome food | 16 |
| Infestation with bugs or fleas | 10 |
| Infestation with other insect pests | |
| Infestation with rats or mice | 611 |
| Smoke nuisances | 12 |
| Flooding | 29 |
| Miscellaneous | 39 |
| TOTAL:- | 1,251 |
The number of complaints received in the Department during the previous ten years was:-
| 1957 | 1,230 | 1952 | 1,093 |
| 1956 | 1,210 | 1951 | 1,059 |
| 1955 | 1,157 | 1950 | 1,083 |
| 1954 | 905 | 1949 | 1,007 |
| 1953 | 1,037 | 1948 | 986 |
VISITS MADE BY INSPECTORS.
| Number of dwelling houses inspected for housing defects (under Public Health and Housing Acts) | 247 |
| Number of dwelling houses visited for purposes other than housing defects | 1,532 |
| Number of visits to premises other than houses | 2,245 |
| Premises re-inspected | 1,549 |
| Visits to works in progress | 665 |
| Visits re. rats and mice | 6,721 |
| Visits re. Rent Act | 354 |
| Visits re. Civil Defence | 85 |
| Miscellaneous visits | 707 |
| 14,108 |