View report page

13
the survey and, like the infestations referred to above, show a decline when compared with 0.95 per
cent, in 1953. Sewers throughout the borough were treated both in April and October on an extended
baiting system which involves treatment over a period of eight days at each baiting point. In April
the records of pre-bait take by rats showed an increase by comparison with the former method of a
3 day treatment period. In October, the new system was repeated and an improved pre-bait take
was again recorded. As a result of rat infestations 69 underground drains were examined and it was
necessary to serve 33 notices requiring remedy of the various defects found. It is gratifying to report
that, with the exception of one case requiring the service of a statutory notice, the defects were
remedied without formal action being taken. Occupiers and owners of premises visited by the Rodent
Control Officer were co-operative in acting upon suggestions made to them and it was unnecessary to
serve any notices under the Pests Act.
A summary of infestations and treatments given is shown in Table 8, page 34.
Disinfestation.
To rid dwelling houses of bugs, a spray of Kerosene with 5 per cent. D.D.T. andO.l percent, pyrethrins
is applied either by hand or under pressure from a motor compressor, according to the circumstances.
This treatment is also given for flea and similar infestations which occur from time to time. During
the year, 307 rooms were disinfested, including twenty requisitioned premises. Altogether 55
requisitioned premises were inspected for vermin on becoming vacant.
Furniture, more particularly that of people removing to fresh accommodation, is dealt with by
hydrocyanic acid gas in specially constructed vans. The Council continued to have this work done
by a contractor and during 1957 the furniture of 43 families, of whom 37 were being rehoused, was
treated by this method. In addition 924 verminous articles of bedding were disinfested by steam.
For many years the Council have maintained a large Manlove Alliott steam disinfecting chamber,
capable of taking articles up to the size of a double mattress, at their premises in Lisson Grove. Steam
for this purpose was supplied by the electricity generating station adjoining the premises but in
August, 1956, the Central Electricity Authority gave notice terminating their agreement with the
Council to supply steam from a date early in 1957. Possible alternative methods of generating steam
were considered but in view of the heavy capital expenditure involved and comparatively high
maintenance costs it was decided to discontinue operating the large Manlove Alliott installation and
use only a small steam disinfector situated in the cleansing of persons section of Welfare Centre No. 2
for the treatment of all articles up to the size of a single mattress. At the same time arrangements
were made with the Council of the Royal Borough of Kensington for articles above this size to be
steam treated in their plant at Shepherd's Bush. The number of large articles which have to be dealt
with is comparatively small and the arrangement has worked most satisfactorily.
Verminous Persons.
The Council's Cleansing Station in Lisson Grove dealt with 817 verminous persons : adults 560
(men 504, women 56); children 257 (boys 33, girls 224).
Shelter.
It was not necessary during the year to make use of the shelter accommodation provided at No. 217,
Lisson Grove, under section 195 (4) of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, for families temporarily
dispossessed of their homes. The room set aside for this purpose was, however, utilised for other
public health work.
Air Pollution.
In February a public health inspector was seconded specially for the purpose of establishing
smoke control areas under the Clean Air Act, 1956, some provisions of which came into force on
31st December, 1956.
After the completion of a detailed survey of St. John's Wood Terrace Ward (Ward 3) by temporary
assistants, an estimate of the cost of implementing a Smoke Control Order was prepared.
On 4th July the Council declared, subject to confirmation by the Minister of Housing and Local
Government, the whole of the Ward to be a smoke control area from the 1st October, 1958.
In November a survey of Lord's Ward (Ward 2) was commenced with a view to establishing a
second smoke control area.
Public interest in Clean Air led to an increase in the number of complaints received. These totalled
one hundred and twenty-two and appropriate action was taken whenever reasonable grounds for a
complaint could be established. Some complaints related to the chimneys of private dwellings and