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144
lamp, or a combination of all three, combined with steam disinfection
of bedding when this can be carried out.
Further, that we would be prepared to assist the London CountyCouncil
with steam disinfection of bedding on the lines set out in
the communication referred to in Paragraph 9, when the new
Disinfecting Station is built.
3—Action Taken at Present.
As long ago as 1929 the Medical Officer of Health reported to
the Public Health Committee that the destruction of bugs in occupied
premises is one of the most difficult problems with which a Public
Health Department is confronted. This is due to the life history
and habits of the bug. The most powerful disinfectants can only
be effective if and when they are applied directly to the bug so that
the mere spraying of the surface with Solution "D" or any other
disinfectant, whilst doing a certain amount of good, cannot be
expected to be a remedy.
In July 1932 a detailed report was submitted to the Committee
outlining the procedure then carried out which, in the main, consists
of steam disinfection of bedding, the removal of woodwork followed
by the use of a blow-lamp and the use of Solution "D" as an
insecticide.
In September 1934 a Special Inspector for disinfestation work
was appointed, and shortly afterwards the Council decided to employ
a firm of fumigators to treat with Hydrogen Cyanide gas (prussic
acid) furniture of families who were removing from bug-infested
premises to Borough Council flats, at the same time the bedding
was to be steam disinfected.
Later a second Special Inspector was appointed, as it was found
the first Inspector's whole time was taken up in dealing with Council
property. The second Inspector is engaged in the general work
of disinfestation of all dwelling houses in the Borough other than
Poplar Borough Council and London County Council property.
The methods used at present are still very much the same as
those advocated in 1932—the removal of woodwork and tracing
bug infestation, subsequent fumigation with sulphur in empty
houses, the use of a certain insecticide (Solution "D") and the use
of the blow-lamp when woodwork has been removed.