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34
The site was visited by Mr. A. A. Green of the Pest Infestation Laboratory,
D.S.I.R., in order to collect blowfly larvae for experimental purposes. During his
visit, he carried out a short but very gratifying inspection. In a communication
received from him, it was stated that a heavy infestation of larvae was being brought
into the Depot, but there was every indication that the control was just as good as
when the treatment first started. The high level of control achieved gave rise to
two very satisfying observations :
(1) the application of the treatment is both thorough and efficient ;
(2) the treatment remains effective. It is evident that although blowfly larvae
are being introduced in very large numbers into the Depot, an extremely
small number develop to the adult blowfly stage, and get away from this
area.
The work done must make a major difference to the blowfly population in and
around the Borough. Thanks are again due to the Cleansing Superintendent, and
to the representatives of the D.S.I.R. for their Co-operation, and the assistance
which continues to be afforded in order that the treatment may be carried out
satisfactorily.
During the season, 22 cwt. of D.D.T. powder was used and a total number
of 165 hours worked by Disinfestor on this treatment.
The Minister of Food, in Circular No. 12/53, issued in June, drew attention
of Local Authorities to the fact that recent work on the life history of the various
kinds of blowfly—blue-bottles and green-bottles—shows that many of the methods
of control which are appropriate to houseflies are ineffective for blowflies. The
circular draws attention to the habits and life history of blowflies, and gives advice
on the steps which should be taken at food premises and refuse disposal works in
order to prevent the presence of blowflies. It would appear that this circular has
been issued by the Ministry consequent upon the work carried out by Officers of the
D.S.I.R. at the Metropolitan Cattle Market and Ashburton Grove Depots
respectively.
Steam Disinfection,.
114,030 articles of clothing or bedding were subjected to steam disinfection at
the Disinfecting Station (99,300 for clothing contractors).
Atmospheric Pollution.
Public Health (London) Act, 1936—Part V.
Emission of Smoke.
The fact that public interest concerning emission of smoke from factory
chimneys has been aroused is reflected in the increased number of complaints
received during the year under review, and the resulting increase in the number of
observations and inspections which were made by the Sanitary Inspectors concerned.
The statutory provisions set out in the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, do not
affect the emission of smoke from domestic premises, and as it is estimated that at
least 50% of the total smoke emission in a Borough such as Islington arises from