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SCHOOLS.
Matters affecting adversely the hygienic conditions of the
schools are normally reported by the Divisional Medical Officer
to the Divisional Executive or, in the case of the canteens, to the
Central Committee concerned. Gradually improvements are being
effected.
Close co-operation exists between the School Health and
Public Health Services in relation to the above and the prevention
of the spread of disease.
DISINFESTATION.
No case of bed bug infestation was recorded during 1956, but
the Inspectors or their assistants dealt with 68 cases of pests such
as flies and wasps, a proprietary insecticidal spray being used in
the majority of cases.
The Council continues to undertake the routine disinfestation
of local schools and school canteens owned by the County Council,
as and when necessary, on a contract basis.
PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT. 1949.
During the year 164 visits were paid to the Council's depots
and tip, to Millstock, and land at Littleheath Woods, Selsdon.
With regard to rats and mice, 533 properties were inspected,
including 393 dwelling houses and 99 business premises. Of these,
237 were infested by rats and 57 by mice, and a total of 198 treatments
for rats and 55 for mice were carried out by the Inspectors'
Assistants, by arrangement with the occupier but no notices were
served under the Act. Eight occupiers subsequently rat-proofed
their premises.
The Council make a flat rate charge of 5/- in respect of the
disinfestation of private dwellings and 10/- per hour plus cost of
materials in all other cases.
The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, as in 1954 agreed
that biannual routine test baiting of the sewers together with maintenance
treatment as required was sufficient to keep this aspect of
the problem under control. Sewer treatment thus only necessitated
114 visits but the total number of rats and mice destruction visits
was 4,249.
THE PROTECTION OF FOOD.
WATER.
The water supply of the District is provided by the Sutton
District Water Company and the East Surrey Water Company,
with a private supply supplementing, as necessary, at Cane Hill
Hospital.
There are no private wells in use in the District; all houses are
provided with a mains supply laid into the house, and there are
no standpipes for common use.
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