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193
We received two "information certificates" from the Coal Smoke
Abatement Society and five from the Public Control Department
of the London County Council during the year.
CLEANSING OF PERSONS' ACT, 1897.
Under this Act power is given to local authorities to provide free
cleansing of persons infested with vermin, and disinfection of
their clothing. Such assistance is not to be considered parochial
relief or charitable allowance. Local authorities may expend any
reasonable sum on buildings, appliances and attendants that may
be required for the carrying out of the Act, and any expenses for
these purposes may be defrayed out of any rate or fund applicable
by the authority for general sanitary purposes or for the relief of
the poor.
This Act has hitherto been chiefly administered in the Metropolis
by the Metropolitan Boroughs of Marylebone and St. Pancras. In
1905 we made full enquiry into the need which exists in this
district, and into ways and means, and approached the Guardians
of the Holborn Union with a view to making arrangements with
them for this cleansing and disinfection in such cases as seemed
desirable and which belong to Finsbury. The Guardians have now
consented to accommodate us in this matter at their Casual
Wards in Grays Inn Lane. The bathing accommodation consists
of six baths on the men's side and three on the women's. Applicants
are to attend at two p.m. daily, and be furnished with an
Order, signed by the Medical Officer of Health. It is anticipated
that the Guardians will incur extra expense in dealing with these
cases, which it will be necessary for the Borough Council to meet.
These arrangements are to come into force early in 1906.
DISINFECTION.
After all cases of infectious diseases, in a certain number of cases
of verminous houses, and in most notified cases of Phthisis, and
after all deaths from Phthisis, premises have been thoroughly disinfected.
Where necessary the walls have been stripped. No
charge is made for disinfection unless the householder requires it