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53
"remakes," i.e., the process of taking flock out of the covering
of a mattress and refilling the covering with the same and
no other flock.
During 1919 in Battersea there were 14 premises where, in
connection with the stuffing of bedding and furniture, flock was
being used.
Six samples were taken for purpose of analysis, and the
nature of the flock and the result of analysis were as follows :—
Chlorine parts
Natural. per 100,000.
Cotton flock 100
Cotton flock 172
Cotton flock 128
Rag flock 14
Rag flock 13
Rag flock 30
The first 3 samples (cotton flock) were found to contain
considerably more than the permissible amount of chlorine laid
down in the Act. The question as to whether the material
"cotton flock" came within the term "rag flock" was referred
to the Ministry of Health. A reply was received, stating:—
"The Ministry have no authority to determine the
question raised, but if the material referred to in your
letter as cotton flock is manufactured from raw cotton, they
are advised that it is doubtful whether the term 'flock
manufactured from rags' would be held to apply to such
flock."
In view of the opinion contained in the Ministry's letter,
the Health Committee decided to take no further proceedings
in respect of samples of cotton flock manufactured from raw
cotton.
It appears to be very desirable that some amendment of
the Act should be made: (1) in regard to the interpretation of
the term "rag flock," and (2) as to "remakes." With regard
to the first-mentioned point, an extension of the scope of the Act
to include "all textile materials used for stuffing bedding and
furniture" would simplify administrative procedure. With
reference to the question of "remakes" it is difficult, from the
public health standpoint, to understand why these should be
exempt under the Act.
Personal Cleansing Station.
During 1919 3,214 children and 366 adults were cleansed
at the Council's Personal Cleansing Station, Sheepcote Lane.
of the total children who attended 1,125 were suffering from