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142
(c) Memorandum of London County Council enclosed with the
foregoing letter.
The Medical Officer of Health submitted the following report, going
through the London County Council's Memorandum paragraph by
paragraph:—
With reference to the letter from the Metropolitan Boroughs'
Standing Joint Committee, enclosing a letter from the London
County Council, dated 21st July, in relation to disinfestation and
also a memorandum on the same subject by the London County
Council, the Medical Officer of Health submits to the Committee
observations on:—
1. The London County Council's Memorandum.
2. The suggestions of the London County Council.
3. A statement of the action taken to comply with the
visions of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, as regards
disinfestation in this Borough.
1. The London County Council's Memorandum.
Paragraphs 1 and 2 require no comment except to agree and
emphasise the possible cause of re-infestation, viz., the five points
enumerated at the head of page 2.
Paragraph 3—Methods of Disinfestation.—With the exception
of Hydrogen Cyanide gas (HCN) (prussic acid) we have not yet
found an agent which will give anything approachirg 100 per cent,
efficiency in bug destruction, but owing to the very dangerous nature
of prussic acid a potential risk to human life is always present when
this gas is used for the fumigation of dwellings. For this reason
it has never been used in this Borough for this purpose. Properly
used and following the instructions issued by the Ministry of Health
for its use, it is the best known method of disinfesting furniture in
transit.
Paragraph 4—Regulations Controlling Contractors using HCN.—
I am in agreement with the suggestions made under this heading
and to the further implementing of them, as suggested in the London
County Council's letter of 21st July.
Paragraph 5.—I agree.
Paragraph 6.—I agree.
Paragraph 7.—I agree. (See statement regarding action taken.)