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33
Disinfection and Disinfestation.
The replacement of the boiler and disinfecting plant was completed in April
of this year. The Co-operation of the Finsbury Boirough Council, its Medical Officer
of Health and staff, who carried out disinfection expeditiously during the period
when the Islington plant was dismantled, was much appreciated.
Upon the request of the respective hospital authorities, a number of wards were
disinfected in two hospitals. Staff from the hospitals concerned carried out most of
the manual work and the disinfection was completed with minimum of delay.
617 rooms were disinfected after cases of infectious or other disease.
A total of 753 rooms were treated for vermin, of which 254 were disinfested
free of charge. The majority of free cases were on behalf of elderly or infirm
persons.
The Council continued to make a charge of 7/6d. for the first room and 5/- for
every additional room treated for verminous conditions.
The effects of 334 families were treated with D.D.T. as a precautionary measure.
In addition one bombed site was treated for fly infestation.
The Public Health Inspector paid 69 visits to a factory to supervise the treatment
of 672 bales of stockings or other materials for export. The total weight of bales
treated was 234 tons 11 cwts. 1 qtr. 13 lbs.
Steani Disinfection.
6,316 articles of clothing or bedding were subjected to steam disinfection.
Static water tanks, air-raid shelters, bombed sites, etc.
Complaints were again received concerning the tipping of refuse, the accumulation
of water and other nuisances arising in respect of static water tanks and on
bombed or vacant sites in the Borough. With the co-operation of the Council's
Cleansing Superintendent, putrescible matter was removed by his department upon
receipt of a request from the Public Health Inspector. In certain cases warning
notices were displayed under the War Damaged Sites Act, 1949, drawing the attention
of the public to the fact that the depositing of rubbish is an offence.
The following action was taken :—
Visits to bombed sites 168
Visits to air-raid shelters and static water tanks 66
Vacant land cleansed 28
Vacant land enclosed 5
Derelict buildings enclosed 1
Static water tanks cleansed 3
War Damaged Sites Act, 1949—notices displayed 5
Thanks are also due to the London Fire Brigade for the co-operation of its
staff in pumping out stagnant water from water tanks.
Fly and Other Infestations.
Anti-fly treatment at Ashburton Grove Depot commenced on 14th May and
continued through the summer months.
Upon investigation into complaints the disinfestation staff dealt with a number
of wasp nests during the year.
A red mite infestation was experienced on one of the Council's Housing sites.
After treatment no further action was necessary.
Atmospheric Pollution.
Public Health (London) Act, 1936—Part V.
Clean Air Act, 1956.
The Minister of Housing and Local Government indicated in Circular 64/56
that certain provisions of the Clean Air Act, 1956, would come inco force on the
last day of the year. New powers and duties will, therefore, be given to local