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(45)
(a) (i) Number of dwellings overcrowded at the end of
the year 1,778
(ii) Number of families dwelling therein 1,778
(iii) Number of persons dwelling therein 10,512
(b) Number of new cases of overcrowding reported
during the year 68
(included in (a) (i) above) (363 persons)
(c) (i) Number of cases of overcrowding relieved during
the year 243
(ii) Number of persons concerned in such cases 1,498
(d) No cases came to my notice during 1939 of dwelling-houses
again becoming overcrowded after the Local Authority had taken
steps to abate the overcrowding.
(e) No cases of overcrowding were reported in which I considered
it necessary to take statutory action.
Eight cases of overcrowding in London County Council
dwellings in Bermondsey have been abated, and 47 cases in
Borough Council dwellings; 92 cases have been relieved in
connection with slum clearance operations. These cases are
included in (c) (i) above.
ERADICATION OF BED BUGS.
Sulphur Dioxide Gas, and the proprietary agent "Pyagra," the
latter to the largest extent, are used as fumigants. The work devolves
upon the staff of the Public Health Department, and premises occupied
by families accepted as tenants by the Council are inspected before
removal. Where rooms and effects are infested, fumigation is insisted
upon before removal is permitted. The Sanitary Inspectors, as part
of their duty, explain to the tenants the importance and means of
preventing infestation.