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Disinfection for Institutions, etc.—In addition to the disinfecting work carried out free
of charge in connection with infectious disease, disinfections for other conditions are frequently
performed for hospitals or private residents. A small charge is made in these cases to cover
the cost.
The fees received for this work during the year ended 31st March, 1938, amounted to
£127 2s. 6d.
In November, 1936, a communication was considered from the Metropolitan Boroughs'
Standing Joint Committee asking for the Council's views on the need for legislation to
empower borough councils to provide temporary accommodation for persons removed from
their dwellings while the premises undergo disinfestation for vermin.
Such accommodation is provided under Statute in cases of infectious disease, but not at
present for vermin, and the Council were of opinion that legislation should be introduced for
the latter purpose also.
Eradication of BED Bugs.
The following information is given in the form required by the Ministry of Health : —
1. The number of houses infested was 212, and the number of rooms
sprayed and fumigated was 242. In a number of cases the contents only were
disinfested. Council property is dealt with by the Estates Department, and I
have to thank the Administrative Officer for the following particulars : - 26
tenements were found to be infested and, to remedy this condition, 49 rooms were
fumigated.
2. The methods employed for disinfestation were: (a) spraying by formalin ;
(b) burning of sulphur candles.
3. In cases where tenants from slum clearance areas were rehoused in the
Council's flats, the beds, bedding, etc., were disinfested by steam at the Council's
Disinfecting Station, and a contractor was employed to disinfest the furniture by
hydrogen cyanide.
4. Disinfestation was carried out by the Local Authority except in circumstances
explained in (3) above. In cases where the London County Council
rehouse tenants living in verminous premises, the Borough Council undertake to
disinfest the bedding and rooms.
The powers of the Local Authority for dealing with infested houses are strengthened
by Section 123 of the Public Health (Loudon) Act, 1936.
Cleansing Station.

* Includes 279 males and females who had no home address.