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9. ERADICATION OF BED BUGS:
This problem is one that requires the careful consideration of
every Local Authority, and during 1939 the Housing Committee of the
Council have given and at tho time of writing are still giving the
matter special consideration.
(a) The number of houses found to be infested by and
treated for bugs by the Public Health Department is
as under:-
(i) Council Houses 11
(ii) Other Houses 73
The figure under (i) above does not, however, reflect the true
position, as where Council houses undergoing redecoration are found
to be infested, disinfestation is carried out by the Works Department,
and only in really bad infestations is this Department called
in to help.
(b) The method employed in disinfestation is mainly that
of a contact insecticide.
In bad cases all removable woodwork - such as picture rails,
architraves and skirting boards - is taken down and burnt and the
promises thoroughly sprayed with a proved insecticide. The
woodwork is not replaced, but the walls are made good and a
skirting formed with Keen's Cement. One or more sprayingsmay
be necessary,
(c) The Council now have the services of a very efficient
Housing Manager, who I understand is doing valuable work by way
of supervision and education of the tenants in the fight against
this pest.
10. SCHOOL'S:
The general hygiene and sanitation of the schools throughout
the area is very good.
Owing to the evacuation of school-children after the outbreak
of war some of the schools were closed down. Two schools,
Beverley Road and Hogarth Girls' School were utilised as
Ambulance Stations.