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59
EXAMINATION OF BATH WATER.
At the request of the Baths and Washhouses Committee (13th July, 1936), arrangements were
made for the bacteriological examination of samples of bath water from the two bathing establishments
of the Borough Council. Ten samples annually are to be taken by the Medical Officer of
Health (one each quarter from each swimming bath in use). The examinations are made by the
Royal Institute of Public Health, and the annual cost is fifteen guineas.
The sample taken during 1936 proved to be satisfactory.
PUBLIC HEALTH (LONDON) ACT, 1936, SECTION 121.
Nuisance Caused by Pigeons.—The number of complaints received arising from the above cause
was 13. On investigation no action on the part of the Council appeared to be necessary. It is
estimated that there are some 2,000 pigeons at large in the Borough.
RATS AND MICE (DESTRUCTION) ACT, 1919.
Complaints concerning 95 premises were received.
In a number of cases the Borough Engineer and Surveyor was asked to cause examinations to be
made of the sewer connections of the infested houses and the two premises immediately adjacent. In
several instances this procedure resulted in the discovery of defects which received the requisite attention
of either the owner or, where only a minor trouble, the Borough Engineer and Surveyor.
One notice was served under the Act in respect of rat-infested premises.
Rat Week.—This was held from 2nd to 7th November inclusive. The usual circular letter was
sent out to principal wharfingers, railway companies, tradesmen, etc.
VERMINOUS CONDITIONS.
Cleansing of Verminous Persons.—Seventy-four cases were referred by the department to
the Kensington Medicinal Baths for treatment under the scheme arranged with the Kensington
Borough Council.
Cleansing of Verminous Rooms.—Notices under Section 10 of the London County Council
(General Powers) Act, 1922, and (after 1st October) Section 123 of the Public Health (London), Act,
1936, were served with respect to 168 premises, the verminous rooms numbering 253.
The owners of 65 premises accepted the Council's offer with regard to the spraying of infested
rooms with a special insecticidal solution, 102 rooms being so treated at a charge to the owners of
7s. 6d. per room.
Verminous Household Goods.—Arrangements are in force with the Council of
the Royal Borough of Kensington for the disinfestation at their Station of verminous furniture,
bedding, etc. Hydro-cyanide gas is used for furniture and steam treatment for bedding, the
charge per load being £3 for the former and 2s. 6d. the latter. No cases were dealt with during
the year.
Section 127 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, authorises the cleansing
of verminous persons by the exercise of powers granted by a petty sessional court in oases where the
verminous person does not consent to being removed to a cleansing station. No use was made of
this Section during the year.
COMPULSORY REMOVAL OF AGED, INFIRM OR DISEASED PERSONS.
By virtue of Section 224 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, it is possible in
London to remove to a hospital or infirmary, by compulsion and under certain circumstances, aged,
infirm, sick or physically incapacitated persons.
The circumstanoes which may enable an order for removal to be obtained are somewhat involved.
Unless the person concerned is suffering from disease it is necessary for the premises
to be insanitary. It is in all cases necessary as well to prove that the person is not receiving proper
attention and that removal is necessary in the interests of the affected person and of other persons.
In two cases it was necessary to obtain an order of the Court for removal.
One hundred and thirty-seven visits were paid to the cases to which the attention of the
Department ha,d been called.
SUPPLY OF MEDICINE AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.
Section 227 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, empowers a sanitary authority, with the
sanction of the Minister of Health, to provide a "temporary supply of medicine and medical
assistance for the poor inhabitants of their district." Under the provisions of this Section 11,300
units of insulin were supplied to a resident of the Borough, through the Diabetic Clinic of the University
College Hospital, at a cost to the Council of £2 15s. 6d.