View report page

78
wallpaper or other covering on the walls, and the taking of
such steps as the local authority may require for the purpose
of destroying or removing vermin :
Provided that, where any work required by the notice is
work for which the owner of the premises is under the tenancy
responsible, the notice requiring the work to be performed
may be given by the local authority to the owner of the premises.
(2) If the person on whom a notice under this section is
served fails within the period specified in the notice to comply
with the requirements thereof, he shall be liable to a penalty
not exceeding five pounds and to a daily penalty not exceeding
ten shillings, and the local authority may, after the expiration
of the said period, themselves carry out the work required by
the notice, and recover the reasonable costs and expenses
incurred by them in a summary manner from that person.
Various methods of dealing with bug infestation are adopted
by different Local Authorities. These include the removal of
bedding and clothing for disinfection by means of steam, and the
removal of skirting boards, architraves and woodwork in the house
and subsequent fumigation of the premises by sulphur, cyanide
gas or other gases, and by other chemical reagents. Advice is
given to the occupiers of the houses, and the Local Authorityco-operates
with the owner regarding his reponsibility in the matter.
In Leyton, during 1933, bugs were found to be present in 263
houses ; and steps were taken by the Department to deal with them.