View report page

81
inevitable, notwithstanding the efforts of the people.
The remarkable thing is not that dirt and vermin should
exist but that they are steadily being reduced. Compared
with conditions before the War or even 10 years
ago, there is abundant testimony as to the improvement
effected.
The figures of the School Medical Service showing
95 per cent. of Bethnal Green children to be clean of
both head and body, compared with 95 per cent. and
97 per cent. respectively for the whole of London, are
a striking tribute to the zeal of Bethnal Green mothers
in maintaining a good standard for their children
against great odds.
Of recent years, the Council has offered active
assistance to residents in their war against vermin by
means of the personal cleansing station, disinfestation
of rooms, clothing and bedding, and by the loan of
spraying machines with a suitable insecticide. These
facilities, but more particularly the latter, have been
freely used.
During the year, the Housing Committee had under
consideration the question of verminous conditions
arising in the Council's new tenements, on the Hadrian
Estate. At the request of that Committee I reported
on the matter and a copy of my report is appended.
The measures recommended have since been put into
operation.
Metropolitan Borough of Bethnal Green.
Bug Infestation of Houses on Council's New
Estate.
To the Chairman and Members of
the Housing Committee.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour of submitting for your consideration
the following report relative to the infestation by bugs of
houses on the new estates of the Council.