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29
(viii) . ERADICATION OF BED BUGS
During the year it was necessary to take action in
respect of 58 premises. In each case the promises were
subjected to disinfestation processes appropriate to the
circumstances .
4. SCHOOLS.
Information with regard to the sanitary condition of
schools is given in the report of the School Medical Officer.
The recommendations for the prevention of the spread
of infectious disease contained in the memorandum on closure
of an exclusion from school, 1927 have been closely followed.
It was not necessary to close any school owing to infectious
disease, or on public health grounds during the period under
review*
5 CCMPLAIETS.
The number of complaints recorded during the year was
443, a figure which shows little change from each of the two
previous years. Owing to staff problems the number of complaints
recorded is probably loss than those actually received
and dealt with.
Approximately one quarter of all complaints had reference
to rats, or mice, or both types of rodent, and further
particulars of this section of the work will bo found in the
following paragraph.
Most of the remaining complaints referred to disrepair
of houses, and doubtless a fair proportion of them
arose through the inability of owners to carry out work of
maintenance. Many of the remaining skilled building trade
operatives were directed to the more urgent work of war damage
repairs and the ranks had already boon depleted by the needs
of H.M.Forces. Apart from labour, there was an acute shortage
of materials.
The number of complaints of alleged unsound food was not
excessive having regard to war-time difficulties. Several of
the complaints proved to be well founded and appropriate action
was taken, but the majority of the food complaints arose as the
direct result of war time methods of storage, transport and
distribution, all three of which at one time or another caused
food losses, as will be seen in the section dealing with Pood.
6. RODENT CONTROL.
It will be remembered that in the last Report (1943)
reference was made to the large increase in the number of
complaints of rodent infestation and the increase was attributed
to the Ministry of Pood publicity campaign. During
1944 the increase was fully maintained and it is quite evident
that the public have become more alive to the dangers of rodent
infestation and the need to report all signs of rodents on their
promises .