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reasonable to comment that the sanitary aspect of the problem is a very real one and
appears to be the basis of the greatest resentment by the public in general. Methylated
spirit drinkers commonly adopt, in numbers, any vacant or derelict property to
which access may be gained, creating filth and squalor to such a degree that no
self respecting community, however sympathetic, can be expected to tolerate such
invasion of its environs without protest. On one occasion a recreation ground was
visited following the receipt of a complaint. There were a number of methylated
spirit drinkers on the benches and a litter bin was found smothered with body lice.
The lice were crawling on the exterior of the bin, on the pedestal and even on the
grass below. Under the litter at the bottom of the bin a pair of trousers was found
smothered with lice fully gorged.
Rodent Control
With assistance from the Borough Engineer sewer disinfestation is carried out
regularly and methodically over the whole borough with the use of fluoracetamide.
The number of complaints received regarding rodent infestations is still fairly
high and efforts have been concentrated on establishing the source of infestation.
A considerable amount of work has been done in connection with repair and sealing
of drains which have become a source of rat infestation from the sewer.
Water Supply
From time to time the internal water systems of tall blocks of flats which
include such fittings as booster pumps, valves, control switches and water tanks
are in need of repair and maintenance. As a precaution against risk of contamination
through the somewhat extensive handling of the various parts by maintenance
and workshop staff, arrangements have been made with the Scientific Branch of the
Greater London Council for sterilisation of the water systems in the Council's housing
estates to be carried out immediately following works of maintenance. Sterilisation
is carried out by members of the Scientific Adviser's staff. The relevant
position of the water system requiring attention is isolated from the rest of the
system by closing appropriate valves. Parts of the system removed such as flanges
and washers are sterilised by soaking in a solution of sodium hypochlorite. The
system is then chlorinated and water samples taken the next day are followed by a
report on the purity of the supply. This service is an extension to that provided by
the Scientific Branch in connection with housing estates in the ownership of the
Greater London Council.
Health Education and Public Relations
Public health inspectors have taken a reasonably active part in health education,
particularly having regard to their general commitments. Parties of post-graduate
and other students have been entertained from the London School of hygiene and
72.