Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[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 |