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25
SMOKE ABATEMENT.
During the year, 218 observations were made and 31 complaints were received
and dealt with. In each case the attention of the offender was drawn to the matter.
Six intimation notices were issued, but in no instance was the service of a statutory
notice or the institution of legal proceedings called for.
SWIMMING BATHS.
The Public Baths Establishment in Seymour Place contains two swimming
pools, slipper baths, laundries, and a squash rackets court. The water of the
swimming pools is treated by modern filtration and purification plant. Samples,
taken periodically, have, under bacteriological examination, yielded entirely
satisfactory results.
There are two privately owned swimming pools in the Borough; one at the
Middlesex Hospital for the use of the staff; and one at the Polytechnic in Regent
Street, available only to members of the Institute.
ERADICATION OF BED BUGS.
As in previous years a considerable amount of work was carried out in 1939 in
connection with disinfestation. Much of it had reference to the removal of furniture
and bedding from old houses to new flats. In addition, the routine following-up of
old cases of infestation was actively pursued.
Particulars of the action taken for the eradication of bed bugs are set out below:
Number of Council houses found to be infested 32
Number of other houses found to be infested 141
Number of Council houses disinfested 32
Number of other houses disinfested 141
The methods employed for freeing infested houses from bed bugs and for ensuring
that the belongings of tenants are free from vermin before removal to Council houses
were described in the report for 1938.
The Hydrogen Cyanide (Fumigation of Buildings) Regulations, 1938, made
by the Secretary of State under section 1 of the Hydrogen Cyanide (Fumigation)
Act, 1937, came into force on the 1st February, 1939. The regulations prescribe
detailed precautions to be taken by persons undertaking the fumigation of premises
by hydrogen cyanide and aim at preventing a repetition of the unfortunate accidents
associated with the use of this agent. Later in the year, in view of representations
made to the Home Secretary that the regulations were not working satisfactorily,
the Home Office intimated that an inquiry would be held to ascertain if any
amendments were necessary.
CLEANSING OF VERMINOUS PERSONS.
The numbers of adults and school children using the cleansing station during
1939 were 577 (438 males, 139 females) and 2,413 (717 boys, 1,696 girls) respectively.
SHELTER.
During 1939 there was no occasion for the occupation of the shelter for the
special purpose for which it was provided under section 195 (4) of the Public Health
(London) Act, 1936.
RAT REPRESSION.
Thirty-two complaints were received in 1939, necessitating the inspection of
53 premises, 25 of which were found to be rat infested. Included in this latter
number were 5 business premises (4 of these for the preparation or storage of food),
17 private or tenement houses and 3 vacant sites. In 3 of the cases investigated
the infestation was directly attributable to defects in the drainage system, and the
nuisance disappeared when repair or reconstruction was carried out.