LIBRARY Urban District of CHISLEHURST AND SIDCUP REPORT For the Year 1940 on the Sanitary Conditions and Vital Statistics of the Urban District of Chislehurst and Sidcup by the Medical Officer of Health Together with the REPORT of the CHIEF SANITARY INSPECTOR Conbridge: Tonbridge. Free Press, Ltd. 129 High Street. Tel. 18 CH112 Urban District of CHISLEHURST AND SIDCUP REPORT For the Year 1940 on the Sanitary Conditions and Vital Statistics of the Urban District of Chislehurst and Sidcup by the Medical Officer of Health Together with the REPORT of the CHIEF SANITARY INSPECTOR Conbridge: Tonbridge. Free Press, Ltd. 129 High Street. Tel. 18 2 Urban District Council of Chislehurst and Sidcup HEALTH REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1940 Madam and Gentlemen, I have pleasure in submitting my Annual Health Report for the year 1940, this being the eighteenth one presented by me as Medical Officer of Health for the District concerned. In accordance with the request of the Ministry of Health the Report is again curtailed as far as possible, and only contains such essential features as it is essential to record. The Birth Rate for the year was equal to 15.9 per thousand of population, as compared with 14.6 in England and Wales. The Death Rate was equal to 10.3 per thousand of population. The Death Rate in England and Wales was 14.3. The Infantile Mortality Rate compared very favourably with that for England and Wales, the Rate for 1940 being 44 and 55 respectively. The incidence of Infectious Disease was very satisfactory, the number of cases notified being 365, of which number 151 were in respect of cases of Measles. In submitting this Report, I desire to place on record my appreciation of the assistance I have received from the Council and all its Officers. I would especially like to record the efficient and loyal services rendered by Mr. Allen and all the members of the Public Health Department. I am, Madam and Gentlemen, Your obedient Servant, P. N. CAVE., Medical Officer of Health. 3 Urban District Council of Chislehurst and Sidcup PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE. Chairman G. Vice-Chairman C. F. S. BATHURST, Esq. H. N. BEECH EIR-BRYANT, Esq., J.P. Lt.-Col. W. J. BELL. J. F. BUTCHER, Esq. J. R. CAMPBELL CARTER, Esq. W. G. FULLER, Esq. W. ALLEN, Esq. E. GAMON, Esq., J.P. R. N. MACALPINE, Esq C. E:. NORRIS, Esq. Miss M. K. PILLMAN. T. J. ROBINS, Esq. A. W. SMITH, Esq. G. D. WALLACE, Esq. REPRESENTATIVES ON THE WEST KENT JOINT HOSPITAL BOARD. W. BROWN, Esq., C.C. Capt. GALBRAITH. REPRESENTATIVES ON THE WEST KENT MAIN SEWERAGE BOARD. W. BROWN, Esq., C.C. Capt. GALBRAITH. C. T. KNIGHT, Esq., J.P. STAFF. Medical Officer of Health: P. N. CAVE, M.A., M.D., D.P.H., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. Chief Sanitary Inspector: A. V. ALLEN, M.R.S.I., M.R.I.P.H.H., M.S.I.A. District Sanitary Inspectors: J. AMES, C.R.S.I. (Cleansing Inspector) E. C. BERWICK, C.R.S.I. J. C. KEIRMODE, C.R.S.I. P. J. SHANNON, C.R.S.I. H. STONE, C.R.S.I. Health Visitor: Miss W. M. HUMPHRIES. Clerks: E. D. AUSTIN. G. SPERRING. Shorthand-Typist and Infectious Disease Clerk: Miss M. PET'CHEY, 4 STATISTICS AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE AREA. Area (in acres) 8,957 Registrar-General's estimate of population, mid-1940 63,650 Number of occupied houses, December, 1940 17,600 Rateable Value of District, December, 1940 £551,325 Sum represented by a penny rate £2,050 VITAL STATISTICS. Live Births: Total. M. F. Birth Rate per 1,000 of estimated population. Legitimate 984 536 448 Illegitimate 34 21 13 Total 1,018 557 461 15.9 Rate per 1,000 (live and still) births. Still-births 34 20 14 32.3 Rate per 1,000 of estimated population. Deaths 659 321 338 10.3 Deaths. Rate per 1,000 total (live and still) births. Deaths from Puerperal causes: Puerperal Sepsis 1 0.94 Other Puerperal causes - - Number of deaths. Rate per 1,000 live births. Infant Deaths: All Infants 46 44 Rate per 1,000 legitimate live births. Legitimate Infants 42 42 Rate per 1,000 illegitimate live births. Illegitimate Infants 4 117 Deaths from Cancer (all ages) 78 Deaths from Measles (all ages) 2 Deaths from Whooping Cough (all ages) - Deaths from Diarrhoea (under 2 years of age) 2 5 Urban District Council of Chislehurst and Sidcup HEALTH REPORT FOR 1940. The Urban District of Chislehurst and Sidcup was constituted under the Kent County Review Order, 1934. and came into existence on the 1st April, 1934. VITAL STATISTICS. Births.—The number of Births registered during the year as belonging to this District was 1,018, of which number 557 were males and 461 were females. This gives an Annual Birth Rate of 15.9 per thousand of population. Deaths.—During the year 659 Deaths of persons belonging to this District were registered, the Death Rate for the year being 10.3 per thousand of population. Infant Deaths.—The number of Deaths registered as occurring in infants under one year of age was 46. The Infantile Mortality Rate for the year was 44 per thousand registered births. INFECTIOUS DISEASE. The year 1940 was a satisfactory one from the point of view of incidence of Infectious Disease. The number of cases notified, together with the number removed to hospital and the total deaths registered, is shown in the following Table: Disease Number Notified Removed to Hospital Total Deaths. Scarlet Faver 67 53 Diphtheria 47 29 4 Typhoid Fever 1 Erysipelas 17 Puerperal Pyrexia 3 2 Pneumonia 61 28* Ophthalmia Neonatorum 1 Whooping Cough 12 Dysentery 1 Cerebro-Spinal Fever 4 3 1 Measles 151 2 Totals 365 87 35 * all forms 6 BIRTH RATES, CIVILIAN DEATH RATES, ANALYSIS OF MORTALITY, MATERNAL MORTALITY & CASE RATES for certain Infectious Diseases in the Year 1940. England and Wales 126 County Boro's. and Great Towns including London 148 Smaller Towns Resident Populations 25,000 to 50,000, 1931 Census London Administrative County Chislehurst and Sidcup Urban District Rates per 1,000 Population BIRTHS: Liye 14.6 16.0 15.7 13.7 15.9 Still 0. 55 0.64 0.55 0.44 0.51 DEATHS: † 1 All Causes Typhoid and Paratyphoid 14.3 15.8 12.6 17.8 10.3 Fevers 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Scarlet Feyer 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Whooping Cough 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.00 0.00 Diphtheria 0.06 0.07 0.05 0.01 0.06 Influenza 0.32 0.29 0.30 0.18 0.10 Smallpox - - - - - Measles 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.03 Deaths under one year of Deaths from Diarrhoea and Rates per 1,000 Live Births 55 61 54 50 44 Enteritis under two years of age 4.6 5.9 4.4 5.8 1.95 Rates per 1,000 Civilian Population NOTIFICATIONS: Enteric Fever 0.07 0.06 0.10 0.06 0.01 Corebro Spinal Fever 0.32 0.33 0.29 0.28 0.06 Scarlet Fever 1.63 1 53 1.57 0.82 1.05 Whooping Cough 1.31 1.29 1.35 0.22 0.18 Diphtheria 1.16 1.29 1.21 0.61 0.09 Erysipelas 0.33 0.36 0.30 0.35 0.26 Smallpox 0.00 Measles 0.24 9.23 9.99 1.78 2.37 Pneumonia 1.20 1.37 1.00 0.87 0.95 MATERNAL MORTALITY: (excluding abortion) Rates per 1,000 Total Births (i.e. Live and Still) Puerperal Infection (No. 147) 0.52 Not available. 0.94 Others 3.64 0.00 Total 2.16 0.94 NOTIFICATIONS: 3.34 2.83 Puerperal Fever 11.96 13.90 9.73 13.30* Puerperal Pyrexia Including Puerperal Fevers †A dash signifies that there were no Deaths 7 OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM. One case was notified, which was treated at home. Vision was unimpaired. IMMUNISATION CLINIC. Number of sessions held 85 New cases Susceptible 530 Non-susceptible 26 556 Final test and found Non-susceptible 89 Susceptible 89 Total attendances 2,197 TUBERCULOSIS. The following Table shows the number of new cases Tuberculosis notified, together with the number of Deaths registered: Notified Deaths Males Females Total Males Females Total Pulmonary 32 20 62 18 14 32 Non-Pulmonary 5 9 14 1 2 3 Total 37 29 66 19 16 35 The treatment of cases of Tuberculosis is under the control of the Kent County Council, and during the year the following number of patients have received treatment: Number receiving sanatorium treatment 90 Number receiving dispensary treatment 14 Dispensary supervision 201 PUBLIC HEALTH (PREVENTION OF TUBERCULOSIS) REGULATIONS, 1930. PUBLIC HEALTH ACT, 1936, SECTION 176. No action was required to be taken under the above during the year. ISOLATION HOSPITAL. Cases of Infectious Disease from this area are admitted to the West Kent Joint Isolation Hospital. 8 LABORATORY WORK. The Kent County Laboratory at Maidstone carries out the bacteriological work in connection with this District, and during the year the following number of specimens have been examined there: Negative Positive Total. Swabs for Diphtheria 32 1 337 Sputa for Tuborcle 131 46 177 Swabs for Haemolytic Streptococci 19 6 25 Totals 182 53 235 In addition, the following number of emergency specimens have been examined by Dr. Byers at the West Kent Joint Hospital Laboratory: Negative Positive Total Swabs for Diphtheria 211 4 215 Swabs for Haemolytic Streptococci 3 — 3 Totals 214 4 218 DRAINAGE. No important alteration took place during the year in the drainage of the District. During the year 712 feet of surface water sewer was laid. CLOSET ACCOMMODATION. The following is the approximate number of each typo of closet in use at the end of the year: Water closets draining to sewers 19,830 Water closets draining to cesspools 330 Earth closets or privy middens 5 Pail closets 53 9 WATER SUPPLY. The District is supplied with water by the mains of the Metropolitan Water Board. During the year the following number of samples of water were examined: Satisfactory. Unsatisfactory. Chemical 80 3 Bacteriological 48 Appropriate action was taken in respect of each of the unsatisfactory samples. HOUSE REFUSE COLLECTION. No important change has taken place in the method of house refuse collection and disposal. HOUSING. 1.—Inspection of Dwelling-houses during the year. (1) (a) Total number of houses inspected for housing defects (under Public Health or Housing Acts) 1,194 (b) Number of inspections made for the purpose 4,377 (2) (a) Number of dwelling-houses (included under sub-head (1) above) which were inspected and recorded under the Housing Consolidated Regulations, 1925 1 (b) Number of inspections made for the purpose 3 (3) Number of dwelling-houses found to be in a state so dangerous or injurious to health as to be unfit for human habitation 1 (4) Number of dwelling-houses (exclusive of those referred to under the preceding sub-head) found not to be in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation 285 2.—Remedy of Defects during the year Without Service of Formal Notices. Number of defective dwelling-houses rendered fit in consequence of informal action by the Local Authority or their Officers 285 3.—Action under Statutory Powers during the year. (a) Proceedings under sections 9, 10 and 16 of the Housing Act, 1936: (1) Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which notices were served requiring repairs Nil (2) Number of dwelling-houses which were rendered fit after service of formal notices: (a) By owners Nil (b) By Local Authority in default of owners Nil (b) Proceedings under the Public Health Acts; 10 (1) Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which notices were served requiring defects to be remedied Nil (2) Number of dwelling-houses in which defects were remedied after service of formal notices': (a) By owners 1 (b) By Local Authority in default of owners Nil (c) Proceedings under sections 11 and 13 of the Housing Act, 1936: (1) Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which Demolition Orders were made Nil (2) Number of dwelling-houses demolished in pursuance of Demolition Orders Nil (d) Proceedings under section 12 of the Housing Act, 1936: (1) Number of separate tenements or underground rooms in respect of which Closing Orders were made Nil (2) Number of separate tenements or underground rooms in respect of which Closing Orders were determined, the tenement or room having been rendered fit Nil 4.—Housing Act, 1936: Part IV—Overcrowding. (a) (i) Number of dwelling-houses overcrowded at end of year 7 (ii) Number of families dwelling therein 7 (iii) Number of persons dwelling therein 53 (b) Number of new cases of overcrowding reported during the year *5 (c) (i) Number of cases of overcrowding relieved during the year 8 (ii) Number of persons concerned in such cases 59 (d) Particulars of any eases in which dwelling-houses have again become overcrowded after the Local Authority have taken steps for the abatement of overcrowding. nil (e) Any other particulars with respect to overcrowding conditions upon which you may consider it desirable to report. nil *Includes 3 cases in which overcrowding was previously abated, but owing to an increase in the age of individual members of the family, overcrowding- again occurred. One such case has since been remedied. Number of new houses erected during the year: By the Local Authority Nil By other persons: Houses 12 Flats ,,, 3 11 HEALTH VISITOR. The Council employs the services of one full-time Health Visitor. During the year she paid a total of 1,303 visits. MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE. The Maternity and Child Welfare work in this District is under the control of the Kent County Council. The following Ante-natal Clinics and Child Welfare Centres have been established in this District: Ante-natal Clinics. Total attendance. CHISLEHURST— The Willows, Redhill 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays 257 MOTTINGHAM— St. Edward's Hall 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, Fridays 1,012 SIDCUP— Baptist C'hurch Hall Tuesdays and Fridays 1,718 Infant Welfare Centres. CHISLEHURST— The Willows, Redhill Thursdays 2,545 FOOTS CRAY— Baptist Hall 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays 789 MOTTINGHAM— St. Edward's Hall Mondays and Wednesdays 8,102 SIDCUP— Baptist Church Hall Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 14,849 SIDCUP— Congregational Hall Wednesdays and Thursdays 4,193 SWIMMING BATHS AND POOLS. There is only one small private bath which is open to the public. Samples of the water were examined during the year, and all proved satisfactory. ERADICATION OF BED BUGS. The following number of houses have been dealt with during the year: Council houses 5 Other houses 21 NURSING FACILITIES. The local Nursing Association provides nursing facilities for this District. NURSING AND MATERNITY HOMES. The County Council have delegated the powers relating to Nursing Homes under the Public Health Act, 1936, to the District Council. There are 7 registered premises within this District, the number of beds provided being: 14 for maternity cases and 31 for other cases. 12 REGULATED TRADES. Number of Premises Visits Paid Defects. Found. Remedied. Dairies 13 14 9 10 Cowsheds 13 112 Slaughterhouses : Licensed 3 7 1 1 Registered 1 33 Bakehouses 16 80 24 25 Piggeries 20 50 6 6 Other food preparing places 145 286 45 45 Factories 118 209 31 31 Workplaces 2 - - - Common Lodging Houses - - - - Houses Let-in- Lodgings - - - - Totals 331 791 116 118 13 MEAT INSPECTION. Carcases Inspected and Condemned. Cattle excluding Cows Cows Calves Sheep and Lambs Pig3 Number killed (if known) 10 3 1 21 160 Number of animals inspected 10 3 1 24 180 All diseases except Tuberculosis Whole carcases condemned ... ... ... ... ... Carcases of which some part or organ was condemned 3 1 ... ... 7 Percentage of the number inspected affected with diseases other than Tuberculosis 30.0 33.3 ... ... 3.9 Tuberculosis Only Whole carcases condemned ... ... ... ... ... Carcases of which some part or organ was condemned ... ... ... ... 1 Percentage of the number inspected affected with tuberculosis ... ... ... ... 0.55 MILK (SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS) ORDER, 1936. The following number of licences were granted by the Council during the year: Certified 2 Tuberculin Tested 8 (including 3 supplementary) Pasteurised 20 (including 4 supplementary) SMOKE ABATEMENT. During the year 27 observations were made with respect to the emission of smoke. One case was remedied. SHOPS ACTS. During the year 849 inspections of shops were made, and in 57 instances contraventions were found, all of which were remedied after informal action. MIDWIVES. The supervision of Midwives is under the control of the Kent County Council. ADOPTIVE ACTS AND BYELAWS. No Acts or Byelaws were adopted during the year. CASES OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE notified during the year 1940. Disease. Number of Cases Notified. Total cases removed to Hospital. Deaths] At all Ages. at ages—years. Under 1 yearr 1 and u nder 2 years •2 and under 3 years 3 and under 4 years 4 and under 5 years 5 and under 10 years 10 and under 15years 15 a nd under 20 years 20 and under 35years 35 and under 45 years 45 and under 65 years 65 and over Scarlel Fever 67 ... 4 3 5 13 27 8 3 3 3 1 ... ... 53 ... Diphtheria 47 ... 2 ... 9 8 17 6 2 ... ... ... 29 4 Typhoid Fever 1 ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Erysipelas 17 1 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 1 5 5 ... ... Puerperal Pyrexia 3 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 ... ... ... 2 ... Pneumonia 61 7 4 3 4 1 9 3 ... 6 9 12 3 ... 28 Measles 151 5 7 13 16 14 84 10 1 ... 1 ... ... ... 2. Ophthalmia 1 Neonatorum 1 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Whooping Cough 12 ... ... ... ... 6 4 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Dysentery 1 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 ... ... ... ... Cerebro-Spinal Fever 4 1 ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 2 ... ... ... 3 1 total 365 15 17 19 34 42 141 30 7 22 13 17 8 87 35 14 15 DEATHS REGISTERED as Occurring during 1940. Cause of Death Males. Females. Total. Typhoid fever ... ... ... Cerebro-spinal Fever 1 ... 1 Scarlet Fever ... • •• ... Whooping Cough ... ... ... Diphtheria 1 3 4 Tuberculosis of Respiratory system 18 14 32 Other Tuberculous diseases 1 2 3 Syphilis 6 ... 5 Influenza 3 4 7 Measles 2 • •• 2 Poliomyelitis and Polioencephalitis ... ... ... Acute Infantile Encephalitis ... 2 2 Cancer of Bronchial Cavity 2 5 7 Cancer of Stomach and Duodenum 7 7 14 Cancsr of the Breast ... 4 4 Cancer, all other forms 27 26 53 Diabetes 4 2 6 Intra cranial vesc. lesions 26 46 72 Heart disease 65 85 150 Other diseases of circulatory system 9 9 18 Bronchitis 15 23 38 Pneumonia 13 15 28 Other respiratory diseases 7 4 11 Ulcer of Stomach and Duodenum 4 2 6 Diarrhoea (under two years) 2 ... 2 Appendicitis 1 ... 1 Other digestive diseases 7 6 18 Nephritis 12 11 23 Post and post-abort, sepsis ... 1 1 Other maternal causes ... ... Premature Birth 8 3 11 Congenital malformation and birth injury 9 10 19 Suicide 1 4 5 Road traffic accidents 5 3 8 Other violent causes 37 24 61 All Other causes 29 23 52 Totals 321 338 659 16 Urban District Council of Chislehurst and Sidcup i REPORT OF THE CHIEF SANITARY AND SHOPS ACTS INSPECTOR For the Year ended 31st December, 1940. Mr. Chairman, Madam and Gentlemen, I have the honour of submitting a Report on the Sanitary and Shops Acts inspection carried out in the District during the year ended 31st December, 1940. 1. Inspections—General. A total of 8,218 inspections were made during the year, as follow:— 4,054 to dwelling-houses (Public Health Acts) 323 „ dwelling-houses (Housing Acts) 126 „ farms, dairies and cowsheds 40 „ slaughterhouses 50 „ piggeries 80 „ bakehouses 28 „ fish friers 258 „ other food preparing premises 137 „ factories with mechanical power 72 „ factories without mechanical power 277 „ premises for rats and mice 118 „ cases of infectious disease 9 „ vans and sheds 335 „ pickers' huts 27 ,, smoke abatement 169 „ water supplies 849 „ shops 41 „ milk sampling (bacteriological) 86 „ milk sampling (Food and Drugs Act) 105 „ other food samples (Food and Drugs Act) 336 „ public air raid shelters 257 „ water mains and food premises damaged by enemy action 102 „ Petroleum Regulations Acts 339 „ various 8,218 Total 17 2. Complaints. 579 complaints were received and investigated. Where necessary, appropriate action was taken. They were as follow: 147 re general sanitary defects 19 „ keeping of animals 28 „ offensive accumulations 46 „ verminous premises 176 „ drainage 29 „ water supply 52 „ rats 4 „ overcrowding 46 „ food 32 „ various 579 Total 3. Notices. 405 Informal Notices were served, drawing the attention of property owners and others to the existence of nuisances and requesting abatement. It was found necessary to serve 2 Statutory Notices under the Public Health Acts to secure the abatement of nuisances where Informal Notices had not received compliance, and in one instance it was found necessary to institute legal proceedings, although the person concerned carried out the required works before the Court made an Order. 4. Nuisances Remedied during the year: Sanitary accommodation: Defective 68 Drainage: (i) Reconstructed 1 (ii) Repaired 57 (iii) Cleaned 309 Cesspools: (i) Cleaned 14 (ii) Reconstructed 4 Baths, lavatory basins and sinks 19 Yard paving 4 Floors 14 Sub-floor ventilators 5 18 Walls and ceilings redecorated 137 Walls and ceilings repaired 121 Dampness, roofs, walls and rainwater pipes 195 Verminous premises 57 Refuse receptacles 21 Water supplies 35 Keeping of animals 6 Offensive accumulations 28 Fruit-pickers' huts 160 Rats 56 Smoke 1 Keeping of food 6 Various 89 Total 1,407 5. Housing. (i) Routine Inspections. 323 visits were made to premises in connection with the Housing Acts. (ii) Clearance Areas. No clearance areas have been declared during the year under . review. (iii) Individually Unfit Houses. No individually unfit houses have been declared during the year. (iv) Overcrowding. The position with regard to overcrowding at the end of the year under review is shown in the following Table:— WARD July 1936 1st Jan. 1937 31st Dec. 1937 31st Dec. 1938 No. of cases Number of Cases No. of persons concerned Cases remedied during year Cases found during year Cases to end of year No. persons concerned Cases Remediec during year Cases found during year Cases to end of year No. persons concerned Aged over 10 Aged Under 10 Aged over 10 Aged under 10 Aged over 10 Aged under 10 Lamorbey 12 13 77 28 9 2 6 41 14 2 2 6 38 14 Longlands 2 1 7 2 1 - - - - - 1 1 7 2 Birchwood — — — - - - - - - - - - - Mottingham 8 9 50 11 7 2 4 26 11 4 26 11 4 2 Chislehurst Commons 11 13 68 18 9 - 4 25 5 4 25 5 2 - Frognal 5 5 38 10 3 3 5 38 15 8 3 - - 1 North Cray 3 2 7 1 1 - 1 4 - - - 1 4 - St. Pauls Cray 4 8 40 20 5 — 3 17 12 3 — - - - Totals 44 51 287 90 35 7 23 151 57 19 8 12 82 19 WARD 31st Dec. 1939 31st Dec. 1940 Cases Remedied during year Cases found during year Gases to end of year No. persons concerned Cases Remedied during year Cases found during year Cases to end of year No. persons concerned Aged over 10 Aged under 10 Aged oyer 10 Aged under 10 Lamorbey 6 4 4 26 8 4 2 2 14 4 Birchwood. 2 1 - — — — — — - — Mottingham 1 1 — — — — — — — —- Chislehurst Commons 9 10 3 13 8 3 2 2 11 5 Frognal 1 — 1 5 2 — — 1 6 1 North Cray — — 1 4 — — — 1 4 — St. Pauls Cray 1 2 1 4 4 1 1 1 4 4 Totals 20 18 10 52 22 8 5 7 39 14 During- the year approximately 49 premises were measured in consequence of requests for the "permitted number" from owners of premises. 19 20 6. Infectious Disease. 118 visits of enquiry wore made to notified cases of infectious disease, mainly cases of diphtheria and scarlet fever. On the removal of a case to the Isolation Hospital, the release from quarantine (home cases) or in other necessary cases, disinfection was immediately carried out by spraying rooms and their contents with, formalin, and the clothing and bedding was steam disinfected at the disinfecting station. Public library books found in any premises in which infectious or contagious disease occurred were also disinfected by formalin vapour in a special metal chamber. Certain articles have also been destroyed by fire. The disinfections carried out during the year were as follows: Sprayed. Fumigated. Steam Disinfected. Destroyed. Booms 134 130 - - Mattresses 107 - 248 17 Pillows 200 - 595 20 Bedclothes, Batches of ,133 - 172 10 Clothing, Batches of 103 - 96 2 Library Books - 55 - - Cushions 3 - 15 4 Carpets 140 - - - Blankets - - 374 - Air Raid Shelters 11 1 - - 7. Vermin. (i) Bed Bugs. During the year 46 complaints were received of infestation of premises by bed bugs. The number of houses and/or their contents found to be infested was 21 (including 5 in the Council's possession). In suitable cases, and on the request of tenant and owner, the disinfestation of the premises and contents were simultaneously carried out by the Department. In all other cases the premises were disinfested by the owners, and the contents by the tenants In all necessary cases bedding was steam disinfected by the Department. The usual method of disinfestation insisted upon is to strip as much woodwork from walls, etc., as possible, seal the premises and use a sulphurous gas or spray with contact fluid. Close supervision was made of premises which had been disinfested, and tenants were given suitable advice and instruction on methods of prevention and destruction of vermin. (ii) Rats and Mice. 277 visits were made to premises in connection with rat infestation. 52 complaints were received and at 56 premises infestation was remedied. 21 8. Food Inspections. (i) Meat Inspection. In January the slaughter of animals passed under Government Control. After this, emergency slaughter only was carried out in the District. 218 animals were killed in slaughterhouses in the District, and all the animals slaughtered were examined. The details of killings are as follow:— Beasts. Cows. Calves Sheep & Lambs, Pigs. Animals slaughtered under " Regular Notice" (24 occasions) Animals slaughtered under " Occasional 8 2 1 9 149 Notice " (5 occasions) 2 1 - 15 31 Number examined 10 3 1 24 180 Number not examined - - - — - Total number slaughtered 10 3 1 24 180 Result of Examination: All diseases except Tuberculosis: Whole carcases condemned - - - - - Parts carcases condemned 3 1 - - 7 Per cent. 30 33½ - - 3.9 Tuberculosis: Whole carcases condemned - - — - - Parts carcases condemned - - - - 1 Percent. - - - - .55 (ii) Food: Diseased or Unsound. Beef: Weight. Weight. Tons. cwts. qrs. lbs. Tons. cwts. qrs lbs. Abscess - - 12 Disomatosis - - - 5 Cirrhosis - - - 14 Pneumonia - - - 5 Bone Taint - 2 - 17 Bruising - - - 4 - 2 2 1 Pork: Pneumonia - - - 5 Cirrhosis - - - 21 Cysts - - - 1 Tuberculosis — - 2 6 Unsound - - 1 14 - 1 - 19 Mutton: Pyaemid Osteomyelitis - 1 5 Bone Taint - - - 12 Unsound - 1 - 3 - 1 1 20 Fish: Unsound — - 3 23 - - 3 23 Rabbits: Unsound - 1 2 19 - — 1 2 19 22 Bacon: Decomposition - - 1 16 - - 1 16 Sausages, etc. -- - 1 1 1 1 Bananas 11 — — — 11 - - - 11 8 1 15 (iii) Food: Withdrawn from sale due to damage by enemy action. Tons. cwts. qrs. lbs. Fruit - 12 3 22 Sugar Confectionery - 1 3 26 Flour - 4 — 9 Dried Fruit - - 3 21 Canned Food - - 2 19 Cereals - 1 1 3 Fats - - 2 3 Jam - - 4 6 Bacon - -_ 2 - Poultry - 3 2 _ Flour Confectionery - - 3 3 Others - - 3 7 1 9 - 7 (iv) Slaughterhouses. There are 5 slaughterhouses within the District, situated as under:— Address. Occupier. Registered: High Street, Foots Cray T. S. Tompkins. Royal Parade, Ohislehurst Lidstone Ltd. Licensed: High Street, Chislehurst B. Keith. Station Road, Sidcup Fewell & Co. High Street, Sidcup Chalk & Cox Ltd. These premises have been closely inspected on 40 occasions, and one defect which was found, was remedied. (v) Slaughter of Animals Act, 1933. (a) Slaughtering. In accordance with the provisions of this Act and by reason of the adoption by the Council of Section 2 of the Act, all beasts, sheep and lambs slaughtered in the District have been killed with a mechanically operated instrument. All pigs have been similarly killed. (b) Slaughtermen. In accordance with the requirements of the Slaughter of Animals Act, 1933, three Licences were issued to slaughtermen during the year, 23 (vi) Milk and Dairies. There are 26 dairies and cowsheds in the District. These premises have been given special attention and 126 visits were made. Nine defects were found, which wore remedied. During the year 43 samples of graded milk were taken as follows:— Grade of Milk. Satisfied te-st. Did not satisfy test. Tubereulin tested 21 2 Pasteurised 12 1 Accredited 5 2 (vii) Bakehouses. There are 15 bakehouses with mechanical power and one bakehouse without mechanical power in the District, to which 49 visits were made. 24 defects were found, which were remedied during the year. (viii) Fish Frying. There are 12 premises in which fish frying is carried on, and 28 inspections have been made to these premises. Two dcfccts were found, which were remedied. 9. Factories, Workshops and Workplaces. 209 visits were made to the 86 factories with mechanical power. 32 factories without mechanical power, and 2 workplaces in the District, details of which are incorporated in the Annual Report of your Medical Officer of Health in the Home Office Form. 10. Piggeries. There are 20 piggeries in the District, to which 50 visits were made during the year. Six defects were found and remedied. 11. Cesspools. As far as is known, there are 266 cesspools draining 330 premises in the District. Owners or occupiers of premises make private arrangements for emptying cesspools with a Maidstone firm. The charge made is £1 for the first 1,000 gallons, and 17s. 6d. for each subsequent 1,000 gallons of sewage emptied. The large majority of the cesspools drain premises not within a reasonable distance of a sewer, and the few that drain premises within this distance were constructed prior to the laying of the sewer. These latter are closely watched, but nuisance therefrom has not arisen and consequent action was unnecessary. 24 12. Smoke. 27 inspections and observations were made in connection with the emission of smoke from industrial premises, and one nuisance was remedied. 13. Pickers' Huts. There are 4 camps of pickers' huts in the District, all of which have been used during the year and of which 335 inspections were made. In consequence of inspection 160 defects were found, and remedied after informal action. 14. Rivers and Streams. 11 inspections were made of rivers and streams in the District and no nuisance was found. 15. Shops Acts. During the year 849 inspections and observations were made of shops, and 57 Informal Notices were served in connection with the Acts. The number of shops situate in the District is as follows:— Ward. No. of Shops Lamorbey 221 Longlands 70 Birchwood 95 Frognal 105 North Cray 15 St. Pauls Cray 15 Chislehurst Commons 107 Mottingham 57 Total 685 (i) Ventilation. In two shops it was found necessary to require improvement to ventilation. (ii) Temperature. In seven shops it was found necessary to require additional heating facilities in order to ensure that a suitable and sufficient temperature was maintained. (iii) Sanitary Conveniences. Sanitary accommodation and/or additional sanitary accommodation was provided, or existing accommodation was cleansed or repaired, in 31 shops. One Certificate of Exemption under the Shops Act, 1934, was issued. 25 (iv) Lighting. No action was found necessary in this respect. (v) Washing Facilities. In 17 shops proper washing facilities were provided, or existing apparatus was cleansed or repaired. (vi) Facilities for Meals. No action was found necessary in this respect. (vii) Scats for Female Assistants. In six cases shopkeepers were required to provide seats for female assistants. (viii) Closing. No Closing Orders have been made for shops in the District, but the days of Early Closing generally observed are:— Wednesdays—Chislehurst; The Oval, Sidcup; although in the case of one shop, application was made to observe Monday as Elarly Closing day. Thursdays—Sidcup High Street; Blackfen; Mottingham; St. Pauls Cray. (ix) Hours. In 13 instances offences respecting hours of employment were remedied after the attention of the shopkeepers had been drawn thereto. In no case was it found necessary to take formal action. (x) Records. 151 shops were found not to be keeping, exhibiting, or providing the necessary Notices or Records, and in each case a letter was sent to the shopkeeper. 16. House Refuse Collection and Disposal. At the beginning of the year the refuse was collected from approximately 17,375 premises, and at the end of the year from 17,650 premises. (i) Vehicles. The vehicles in use during the year were as follow:— One 15 cubic yard Thornycroft. Three 12/15 cubic yard Thornycrofts. Two 7 cubic yard Thornycrofts. Two 30 cwt. Morris. One 10 cubic yard Karrier. 26 The average length of haul throughout the District from point of disposal at the shoot at Cookham Wood, Ruxley, is 2½ miles. (ii) Collection. Refuse is collected from all premises once weekly. Collection is also made of trade refuse at a standard charge of 6d. per small bin, and prepaid vouchers are used for this purpose. (iii) Disposal. At the time of the outbreak of war a scheme was being considered for the erection of a pulverising and composting plant. (iv) Clothing. Every man is provided with overalls (and paid for cleaning them), smock, waterproof leggings, leather shoulder pad and leather gloves. (v) Salvage. Paper, bottles, rags and metals are salvaged. The value of goods salvaged during the year was approximately £896. (vi) Cost of Service. Tonnage (estimated) ... 12,132 12,500 12,850 33,000 Cost per ton: Collection... 15/- 20/2 14/11 13/3 Cont per ton: Disposal ... 3/11 2/11 2/8 2/4 17 Conclusion. In conclusion 1 desire to place on record my appreciation of the assistance rendered by all members of the Department. I am, Mr. Chairman. Madam and Gentlemen, Your obedient Servant, A. V. B. ALLEN, Chief Sanitary and Shops Acts Inspector. The cost of the service for the year ending 31st March, 1939. was £11,358, and it is anticipated that the cost during the financial year ending 31st March, 1940, will be £10,191, as follows:— 1936-7 £ 1937-8 £ 1938-9 £ 1939-40 £ Collection 9,142 12,600 9,635 8,628 Disposal 1,827 1,850 1,723 1,562 10,969 14,450 11,358 10,191