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hundred per cent, whenever there is evidence that Winter
Vomiting, Sonne dysentery or a case of poliomyelitis has
been reported from a school. These precautions have
already been communicated to Head Teachers. May I repeat,
however, that the thorough disinfection of lavatory
seats, chains and door handles, i.e. anything with which
children's fingers are likely to come into contact after having
used the W.C., are most important. The thorough washing
of their hands by children immediately after using the W.C.
is almost certainly the most significant factor of all. I
would be extremely glad if Head Teachers would take
steps to see that all these measures are being strictly and
continuously carried out. If, for any reason, it is
impossible to have any of these measures put into force,
I should be glad to know at once.
(3) It is difficult to lay down any hard and fast rules as to
how often disinfection should be carried out. Normally,
even when school absences are at their mimimum, I would
like to see disinfection such as outlined in the paragraph
above, carried out once every day by Schoolkeepers.
When any of the diseases to which reference has already
been made are prevalent in a school, this disinfection
should be carried out at least twice daily. I cannot
emphasise too often or too strongly that any relaxation of
this rule, or any carelessness on the part of the individual
or individuals responsible for disinfection, may be followed
by quite disastrous results. In the same way, strict
insistence on the thorough washing of children's hands
after using the W.C. is of incalculable importance. In
this connection it has already been proved that hand inspections
can be of the very greatest use.
(4) I have asked my Public Health Inspectors to visit every
school, so that we can make an up-to-date survey of
sanitary and washing arrangements. Head Teachers will
thus have the opportunity on the spot of consulting the
Public Health Inspector responsible for the area in which
their school is situated. I would assure you that my
Inspectors are making these visits to help and advise, and
for no other reason. If necessary, they are prepared to
supervise the work of disinfection, for at least a time, so
that we can all be sure that this vital work is being
properly carried out. They are also prepared to advise
you on the use of disinfectant sprays generally, not only
in toilets, but in classrooms and the like. They will bring
with them samples, so that you can decide which type of
apparatus you would prefer to use. Unfortunately, neither
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