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Report of the Medical Officer of Health for 1950 19
Certificates Issued in Respect of Rag Washing and Sterilisation
At two factories in the Borough, rags are washed and disinfected
under the supervision of the Council's Inspector, and
certificates are issued for which a charge is made.
During 1950, 99 certificates were issued and the amount
collected was £28 189.
Removal of Diseased or Infirm Persons to Institutions
Under Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, provision
is made for the removal to suitable premises of persons in
need of care and attention. During the year it was necessary to
make application to a Court for the removal of one such case, that
of a woman aged 78 years.
Eradication of Bed Bugs
The methods employed for freeing infested houses include the
stripping of all paper from the walls, the removal of wooden
mouldings and skirtings and the application of a blow lamp to the
room surfaces. Sulphur and "Cimex" candles are often used by
house owners and the spraying of rooms by the disinfecting staff
of the Council is carried out, proprietary insecticides being used.
Infested bedding is removed to the Disinfecting Station and treated
by steam.
During the year 232 rooms in 197 houses were found to be
infested by bed bugs and disinfestation was carried out in all cases.
Special steps are taken to ensure that the furniture and
clothing of families about to be accommodated in the Council's
houses and flats are freed from vermin. Hydrogen cyanide gas
is used for the disinfestation of the furniture, which is placed in
special vans constructed for the purpose, the process being carried
out by a contractor. Bedding is not subjected to hydrogen cyanide
but is disinfested by steam at the Council's Disinfecting Station.
Dustbin Accommodation—Section 105, Public Health (London)
Act, 1936
During the year action was taken under Section 5 of the
Public Health (London) Act, 1936, in respect of 332 premises, and
307 dustbins were provided.
In one case an appeal was made by the owner to the London
County Council. The appeal was allowed.
Mortuary and Crematorium
The Mortuary at Wandsworth was used throughout the year
and 384 bodies were received there.
Under the Crematorium Regulations, 1930, 968 cremations
were authorised during 1950 as compared with 809 in 1949, and
634 in 1948.