[Report 1952] / Medical Officer of Health, Manchester Port Health Authority.

  • Manchester (England). Port Health Authority.
Date:
1952
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1952] / Medical Officer of Health, Manchester Port Health Authority. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    33/42 (page 31)
    The table gives a clearer picture as to the possible effect of different oils on rat population than had previously been obtained from the limited figures for a single year. The figures show great similarity, with the exception of kerosene, and may be said to discount the theory that certain oils discourage rats. It is possible, of course, that particular oil fumes act as a deterrent to rats, but in the absence of any definite proof such as could be obtained from laboratory tests it is fair to assume the extent of prevention is far less than has been popularly believed. The survey has shown that, providing favourable living quarters and sources of food and water are available, rats will live on tankers irrespective of what oil cargo is carried. The most satisfying aspect of the information gained has been the decline in rat-infested tankers. It is suggested the improvement is due to the following factors, viz. return to normal peace-time trading con¬ ditions, greater interest and pride by management and personnel in cleanliness and condition of their ships, the large number of new tankers and oil dock installations of recent years whose modern construction has deterred tanker-borne rodents. In conclusion, I wish to thank Mr. R. C. Ashton, the Motor Launch Engineer, for his valued assistance and co-operation during the survey and in so many other ways. G. E. STANLEY. PUBLIC HEALTH ACT, 1936 (Part X), and the CANAL BOATS REGULATIONS. Inspection of Canal Boats. No Inspector devotes his whole time to the duties of canal boat inspection. For the purposes of administration, the port is divided into two sections, viz. from Manchester to Latchford, with headquarters at Manchester, and from Latchford to Eastham, including Widnes, with headquarters at Runcorn. Each Inspector is directly and solely respon¬ sible to the Medical Officer of Health for the proper supervision of his work under the Canal Boats Regulations, A motor launch is in daily use on the lower section of the Canal and this enables the Inspector to keep under constant supervision canal boats, in addition to merchant shipping. During the year there has been a decrease of 62 inspections com¬ pared with those of the previous year. On the Manchester—Latchford section of the Cana! 101 inspections were made and 57 inspections on the Latchford—Eastham section. The continued decrease was due to staff shortage at the Manchester end and the large amount of tanker traffic on the lower section. Complaint Notes or letters were forwarded to the Owners of the boats found to contravene the provisions of the Public Health Act, 1936, and the Canal Boats Regulations. The anticipated legislation governing living conditions on canal boats is eagerly awaited. The unsatisfactory accommodation existing on many boats requires urgent attention and it is hoped that the new Regulations will give adequate powers to deal with such boats.