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1936]
52
on the infested surfaces which axe exposed. The occupier is also required to rid
infested articles of furniture, etc., of bugs by washing with paraffin or using
insecticide, and in some cases it is recommended that the articles be burned. In
certain cases where application is made by either the owner or the tenant for the
assistance of the local authority, a fee of five shillings per room is asked for. Prior
to the room with the furniture remaining therein being sealed at the doors, fireplaces
and windows, the walls, etc., are sprayed with an insecticide, and sulphur
candles in receptacles placed about two feet above the floor level are burned while
the air and the surroundings are moist. This process is repeated after a lapse
of fourteen days, in order that the bugs from eggs which have hatched out may not
be missed.
During the year the Public Health Committee authorised the purchase of a
a number of hand sprayers to be issued on loan to occupiers of rooms which were
stated to be infested with vermin. These sprayers are loaned for a period of two
weeks, a deposit of one shilling being required, and this is refunded when the
sprayer is returned. The Medical Officer of Health was also authorised to purchase
and issue at cost price small tins containing 16ozs. of a liquid vermicide.
These facilities ar,e afforded to enable occupiers to spray infested furniture
or parts of their rooms, and avoid the more drastic action of stripping the walls,
removing architraves, mouldings, skirting boards, etc. being taken.
The issue of sprayers and liquid1 was commenced on the 1st July, and
immediately taken advantage of by a number of persons. From 1st July to the
31st December, 1935, 106 tins of liquid were supplied, 58 large (16 oz.) and 48 small
(8 oz.), and 37 applications for the loan of sprayers received. A special leaflet is
issued from the department on the eradication of vermin and the prevention of
infestation of rooms and furniture.
Disinfestation of School Children (Cleansing from lice and
other vermin)—During- the year 6,251 (including 1,642 for Scabies) baths were
given to children from the London County Council Schools, who attended the
Disinfecting Station, and were cleansed by the nurse whom the Borough Council
appointed for the work, while their clothing was undergoing disinfestation.
The amount paid during the year by the London County Council for the baths
given to the children was ^543 0s. Od.
There was an increase in the number of children treated for head lice, but a
decrease in the number of scabies cases treated. The rate paid by the London
County Council is two shillings for head cases and one shilling for scabies.
Proceedings were instituted by the London County Council under Section 122
of the Children Act, 1908, during the year in 76 instances. In 19 cases no fines
were imposed and in 57 cases fines ranging from 2/6 to 10/- were imposed.
The total fines amounted to lis. 0d.