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Drainage.—The drainage of 284 houses has been reconstructed.
In certain instances the drains formed portions of
combined systems, and in such cases, in default of the owners, the
work was carried out by the staff of the Borough Engineer and
Surveyor's Department, the expenses incurred thereby being
recovered from the owners.
Verminous Houses.
Number of Council houses infested 26
Number of other houses infested 204
The procedure in dealing with infested houses in Leyton is
as follows:—
Where bugs are found to exist in houses an inspection of the
premises is made by one of the Sanitary Inspectors. The subsequent
procedure depends on the extent of the infestation. Where it is
only slight, advice and instructions regarding bugs are given to the
occupier, who is also asked to examine and thoroughly cleanse
the pictures, bedding, bedsteads and other furniture. The rooms
and furniture are then sprayed with an insecticide solution by a
member of the Public Health Department Staff.
Where the infestation is extensive the owner of the house is
requested to remove all woodwork (i.e., skirting boards, architraves
and linings around windows and doors, etc.) and wallpaper (if any);
and afterwards to apply a blow-lamp tp all infested parts. The
rooms are then sprayed by the Local Authority and the walls cleansed
and distempered by the owner. Should bugs recur the premises
are sprayed again.
The importance of cleanliness and the danger of infestation
by means of second-hand furniture are explained to the tenant.
Council Houses.—The disinfestation of Council houses is
carried out by the staff of the Borough Engineer and Surveyor.