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Sanitary Circumstances, 27
For work done under this heading reference should be made
to Table on page 55.
CLEANSING OF PERSONS ACT, 1897.
This is an adoptive Act, and permits Local Authorities to
provide for cleansing and disinfection of persons infected with
vermin.
Any person requiring cleansing from vermin may apply to have
free use of any bath or apparatus provided for the use of cleansing
the person and the clothing of the applicant.
The use of such apparatus, etc., is not to be considered parochial
relief—Local Authorities may expend any reasonable sum on
buildings, appliances and attendants.
The need for the adoption of this Act has become very apparent
since School Medical Inspection was started. It should, however,
be remembered that cleansing a verminous child, and then sending
him home to sleep in a verminous bed is of no use. There must be
a thorough house cleansing at the same time.
Under this heading it is interesting to refer to Section 122 of
the Children Act, which states that "if the School Medical Officer
is of opinion that the person and clothing of any child is verminous
or in a foul and filthy condition, notice shall be given to the parent
or guardian to cleanse the person and clothing of the child in 24
hours. If this is not done, the child may be removed from the
school and properly cleansed in su itable premises. It also states
that should the child get filthy and verminous again the parent or
guardian on conviction will be fined not exceeding 10s." The probabilities
are that the child will become verminous again because the
home conditions have not been dealt with.