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should be declared a clearance area, and a copy of that resolution
together with the particulars of the Council's proposals for rehousing
the families who would be displaced, were duly forwarded
to the Minister.
In September the Council considered proposals for the redevelopment
for housing purposes of the land included in the first
phase; and decided that the acquisition of twelve properties adjoining
the clearance area was reasonably necessary for the satisfactory
development or user of the clearance area. Accordingly,
a Compulsory Purchase Order under Section 29 of the Housing Act,
1936. was made in respect of the eighteen houses and the twelve
adjoining properties. This Order was submitted to the Minister in
October for confirmation.
At the time of the making of the Order there were thirty-one
families comprising seventy-one persons living in the unfit houses;
and eighteen families comprising fifty persons living in the
twelve adjoining properties.
Muswell Stream
I mentioned in my last annual report that, owing to the time
of the year (November) when darkness set in early permission had
been obtained to suspend operations until the end of February 1956.
Investigation into the source of pollution of this stream recommenced,
therefore, in March 1956 and has now been completed. I
submit below a final summary of the work tarried out in the eradication
of this pollution.

Rodent Control
Out of a total of 2,346 premises inspected throughout the
year, it was found necessary to carry out treatment at 191 of them:
127 dwelling-houses and 23 other premises were treated for rat
infestation; a further 31 dwelling-houses and 10 other Premises
were treated for the presence of mice. During the year 15 to 20
baiting points have been maintained on the Council's tip at White
Hart Lane. The poison used in every case was "warfarin". Where
there is suspicion or evidence that the rats are coming from
defective drains, the Public Health Inspector is informed, a test
with the smoke testing machine applied, and any necessary action
taken.
The Public Health Department employs a whole-time rodent
operator who made 3,584 visits to premises during the year. Twice
a year the sewers are baited for the control of rats. The Borough
is divided into ten districts for this purpose each containing
approximately 67 manholes. Two gangs of two men each are employed
for just over three weeks prebaiting the manholes with unpoisoned
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