[Report 1952] / Medical Officer of Health, West Lothian County Council.

  • West Lothian (Scotland). County Council.
Date:
1952
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1952] / Medical Officer of Health, West Lothian County Council. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    63/72 (page 61)
    One intimation was issued during tlie year under Section 191 of the Burgh Police (Scotland) Act, 1892, with respect to dangerous build- ings. In view of the considerable danger involved, the four tenants of the first floor houses in the property were rehoused by the County Council pending the carrying out of necessary repairs. Due to neglect in carrying out repairs, report on the condition of the property gener- ally was submitted to the County Council for consideration under the Housing Statutes. FACTORIES There are now 163 factories within the landward area of the County. During the year, 156 inspections were made. All premises inspected were found to be in a reasonable condition, and only in 3 instances were complaints made to the owners. These related to conditions of sanitary conveniences. After due notification of defects, the premises were put in order. PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS The County Rat Officer employed by the County Council was engaged throughout the year on disinfestation and examination of houses infested with rats, mice, fleas, cockroaches, bugs, etc. Appropri- ate action was taken at affected premises, and in addition, periodic gassing, bait laying, and trapping operations took place at the various refuse coups. The number of properties, etc., examined by the Rat Officer dur- ing the year was 1,276, on which 1,376 inspections were made. The result of his labours, so far as destruction of rats was concerned, is summed up as follows :— Estimated number of rats destroyed Of these there were— Trapped Poisoned Gassed 4,849 1,147 1,871 1,831 The increase over last year in the number of rats trapped and poisoned is largely accounted for by the County Rat Officer having been engaged in disinfesting one or two of the larger piggeries in the area. During the year, instruction courses run by the Department of Agriculture were attended by one of the Assistant Sanitary Inspectors and the County Rat Officer. The service being afforded appears to be fairly satisfactory and is proving of benefit throughout the County.