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43
The number of complaints received in 1955 was 16.
The number of formal observations on smoke emission was 150.
No formal action was found necessary.
Verminous Premises and Articles
Since the war the extent of infestation with bed bugs in the
Borough has undoubtedly been less than in earlier years and is
gradually diminishing.
With only few exceptions the bug infestations have been comparatively
small and confined to only one room, but by inspection and
precautionary spraying of other rooms and furniture in the infested
premises a better control is now maintained.
In 1955 175 premises infested with cimex were disinfested, the
method employed being the use of a spray with a 5 per cent solution of
D.D.T. to leave a residual film; this is repeated after 14 days if on
re-inspection it appears desirable. In some cases bedding is also
removed for steam disinfection.
In addition 117 premises were disinfested as a routine measure on
unconfirmed reports of infestation by tenants or as part of the
Council's policy on transfers of tenancy in Council property or
requisitioned premises.

These have been effectively dealt with, usually by spraying with
either D.D.T., in liquid or powder form, or with Lindane or B.H.C.
powder, and in general the first treatment has been sufficient.
Cleansing of Verminous Persons
The low incidence of scabies and verminous conditions since the
war has been a striking feature of Public Health. At no time was any
concern felt in regard to the problem in Finsbury which has chiefly
centred around a few cases of scabies and the verminous heads of