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As the Education Authority, powers were conferred upon them by the London County
Council (General Powers) Act, 1907, and the Children Act, 1908, authorising the cleansing of
children whose bodies or clothing were infested with vermin, or who were in a foul or filthy
condition. The necessary cleansing work is carried out by the staff of the Borough Council on
behalf of the County Council. Payment is made by the latter at the rate of two shillings per
child in respect of verminous conditions, and one shilling per bath for those suffering from
scabies.
In connection with children whose bodies or clothing are very verminous, arrangements
are made for the homes to be visited by the Sanitary Inspector, as the rooms and bedding may
also need disinfesting. It would obviously be useless to deal with the child and neglect
the home.
BACTERIOLOGICAL WORK.
To aid in diagnosis and to detect contact or carrier cases, the Borough Council provides
bacteriological diagnosis, free of charge, in connection with certain diseases.
In addition to the above, the preparation and supply of vaccines is undertaken, if desired
by the medical attendant, for use in connection with cases of Puerperal Fever.
This work is performed by Professor F. H. Teale, m.d., of University College Hospital,
under an arrangement made with the Council.

In addition to the above a "sterile maternity outfit" was examined. Some of the
items in the outfit were found to contain non-pathogenic organisms, showing that the term
"sterile" was not strictly correct. The matter was taken up with the firms concerned and
the technique of preparation reorganised with a satisfactory result.
Facilities for the examination of Cerebro-spinal fluid in suspected cases of Poliomyelitis,
Encephalitis Lethargica and Cerebro-spinal Fever are available through the London County
Council's laboratory, and for the examination of blood in cases of suspected Malaria through
the Ministry of Health.