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The work of eradicating vermin is undertaken on request by the
Public Health Department at a charge of 2s. 6d. per hour with a
minimum charge of 5s. 0d., the cost of the poisons being extra.
Three statutory notices were served during the year, this being a
reduction of three on the previous year. Many residents do not yet
realise that the occupiers of premises are themselves responsible for
the destruction of rats, although the Department is always willing to
give advice as to the best means to adopt in any particular case.
The infestation of houses is found to be chiefly due to broken air
bricks and damaged walls around various kinds of service mains, e.g.,
gas, water, electricity. Cavity walls are sometimes responsible for the
appearance of rats in rooms which they would not otherwise reach.
SCHOOLS.
School Closure.—No public elementary schools were closed during
the year on the account of the prevalence of infectious disease amongst
the scholars.
The periods of exclusion from school which are set out in the Surrey
County Council Memorandum on Communicable Diseases are the periods
usually applied. The Head Teachers of all schools are notified
immediately any scholar develops or is in contact with any notifiable
infectious disease.
The advice of the Medical Officer of Health as to any further action
is available should this be requested, and disinfection is provided when
required.
Under the Coulsdon and Purley Act, 1937, it is compulsory for the
parent or guardian of a child suffering or suspected to be suffering from
an infectious disease to notify the Head Teacher, and, in addition, to
notify the Superintendent of any Sunday School attended by the patient.
Similarly no children excluded from school on account of infectious
disease are permitted to attend Sunday School or places of public
entertainment or assembly, while the Council has power to secure the
closing of any of these premises on the advice of the Medical Officer of
Health, if thought necessary in order to prevent the spread of infectious
disease.
Medical Inspection.—The Education Department of the Surrey
County Council carries out the medical inspection of children attending
the public elementary and secondary schools.
School Clinics.—The County Council provide Clinics for the
treatment of school children, as follows:-
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