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42
A fleet of three motor vehicles having specially low loading
bodies with movable sliding door covers which totally enclose the
contents of the vehicle now collect the road sweepings and thus
provide a more rapid and hygienic service in the scavenging of the
streets in the Borough."
Eradication of Bed Bugs.—In recent years the work fallen
on Public Health Departments has been greatly increased through
the efforts required to rid old premises from vermin. With the
growth of new Housing Estates it has become necessary to ensure
that the families provided with new housing accommodation
should be free from vermin. As a result of experience gained in
the past close co-operation exists with the Council's Housing
Superintendent, whereby we are informed prior to the removal,
the date on which they will take up occupation of new abode. The
Inspector then calls at the old address and if necessary arranges
for disinfestation of all furniture. Bedding is removed to the
Council's Disinfecting Station and returned to the new address.
This work was performed in 40 cases and similar procedure was
adopted in regard to Flats on the L.C.C. Estates on 12 occasions.
Requests for disinfestation, etc., of privately owned houses
generally as a result of complaint from the Occupier or through
the Sanitary Inspector were received and carried out in 48 instances.
In order to assist Occupiers of very old houses to rid their
premises of vermin a supply of special "Vermicine" fluid is issued by
the Department and supplied on the special recommendation of
the Sanitary Inspector. In the majority of cases the householders
use sprayers and are eager to carry out the advice tendered by the
Inspectors. It was noted, however, that considerably less use
was made of this service than in recent years.
Altogether 362 gallons were distributed to approximately
2,900 applicants.
Experiments have been made to improve upon the present
system, but the resultant tests have not always been conclusive.
Cleansing Station, Blackwall Lane.—The cleansing of
persons and the disinfection of clothing, etc., in a verminous state
are carried out by the Disinfecting staff. The arrangements made
with the London County Council for the cleansing of verminous
school-children continue in operation. At their request an
additional session was arranged in February to deal with cases of
verminous heads only.
Pharmacy and Poisons Act, 1933.—This Act came into force
on the 1st May, 1936 and aims for its object a closer control of
the sale of poisons and poisonous substances. Under the Act
rules have been made and the names of the poisons are set out and