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1937
42
The supervision of the tenants to prevent infestation and re-infestation after
cleansing is effected primarily by the attendance of a Sanitary Inspector (Housing)
at the removal, the tenants having previously been warned that all effects must
go in the van. They are also warned in respect of new purchases in case they might
be inclined on arrival at the new premises to purchase second-hand articles. The
bedding does not go into the contractor's van, but is removed by the Council's
staff and treated by steam at another place, namely, the Council's Disinfecting
Station.
With regard to bedding, 846 bundles of bedding were removed from houses
which were under orders for demolition, and in addition 42 bundles were taken from
houses not under clearance orders, as well as 14 bundles of bedding disinfested for
the Council's Housing Department, the total being 902 bundles dealt with for
disinfestation.
During the year the arrangement for the issue of sprayers and insecticide was
continued, 105 (16-oz.) tins being supplied. Six applications for the loan of sprayers
were received, and the distribution of the special leaflet was continued. These
facilities continue to be appreciated by tenants who are troubled with these pests.
In the case of infested rooms the Council undertakes on the application of the
occupier to carry out a process of fumigation on payment of the sum of 5s. per
room.
Under the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, on the report of the Medical
Officer of Health the Local Authority has power to cleanse, disinfest, or destroy
any unwholesome articles in any house ; or an owner or occupier may be required
to cleanse any house or part of a house in a verminous condition.
Disinfestation of School Children (Cleansing from Lice and other
Vermin).—During the year 6,222 baths (including 1,425 for Scabies) were given
to children from the London County Council Schools, who attended the Disinfecting
Station and were cleansed 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 £550 19s. 0d.
There was an increase in the number of children treated for head lice, and 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 during the year
in 64 instances. In 4 cases no fines were imposed and in 60 cases fines ranging
from 2s. to 10s. were imposed. The total fines amounted to £14.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ADMINISTRATION.
The Medical Officer of Health submits the annual report on the manner in
which the provisions of the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901, were carried out
in his district during the year 1937.
The inspection of factories, workshops and bakehouses is systematically carried
out by one male Inspector, who supervises places where men are employed, and by
two female Inspectors whose duty it is to inspect places where women are employed.
The female Inspectors also supervise restaurant kitchens and outworkers' premises.