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The tables above are exclusive of the disinfection of the clothing of persons who
attended the cleansing station on account of being infested by vermin or suffering from scabies.
Disinfection for Institutions, etc.
In addition to the disinfecting work carried out free of charge in connection with
infectious disease, disinfections for other conditions are frequently performed for hospitals or
private residents. A small charge is made in these cases to cover the cost.
The fees received for this work during the year ended 31st March, 1939, amounted to
£127 10s. 0d.
In November, 1936, a communication was considered from the Metropolitan Boroughs
Standing Joint Committee asking for the Council's views on the need for legislation to
empower borough councils to provide temporary accommodation for persons removed from
their dwellings while the premises undergo disinfestation for vermin.
Such accommodation is provided under Statute in cases of infectious disease, but not at
present for vermin, and the Council were of opinion that legislation should be introduced for
the latter purpose also.
Eradication of Bed Bugs.
The following information is given in the form required by the Ministry of Health:—
1. The number of houses infested was 362, and the number of rooms
sprayed and fumigated was 295. In a number of cases the contents only were
disinfested. Council property is dealt with by the Estates Department.
2. The methods employed for disinfestation by the Public Health Department
were:(a) spraying by formalin; (b) burning of sulphur candles.
3. In cases where tenants from slum clearance areas were rehoused in the
Council's flats, the beds, bedding, etc., were disinfested by steam at the Council's
Disinfecting Station, and a contractor was employed to disinfest the furniture by
hydrogen cyanide.