View report page

From the above definition it will be seen that many factors have to be taken into consideration in judging
whether or not a noise is a nuisance within the meaning of the Act, though there may be no doubt about
the annoyance to residents in the neighbourhood of the factory concerned. During the year, complaints
of nuisance due to noise were received in regard to a factory. Day and night observations were made
concerning this complaint, and in conjunction with the firm concerned, measures were taken to reduce
the noise as far as was practicable.
Rats and Mice Destruction, etc.— The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949, places the
responsibility on the Council "to keep their area as far as practicable, free from rats and mice " and
occupiers of premises are required to give notice when they have knowledge that rats and mice are
present in substantial numbers. It is obligatory on the Council to recover the expenses reasonably incurred
in taking steps for the destruction of rats and mice on business premises, but permissive as far as the cost
of treating private dwellings is concerned. The Council has decided to make no charge for the treatment
of private dwelling-houses unless there is failure on the part of the owner or occupier to co-operate in
preventing infestation. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries may make to local authorities a grant
equal to one half of the expenditure incurred in the performance of their duties under the Act so far as
such expenditure has not been recovered.

Test baiting and where necessary, treatment is carried out to sewers, watercourses, tips, etc.
Destruction of part of the rat population by chemical or other poisoning may increase the food supply
and improve the chances of survival of the remainder. Eradication requires environmental conditions
which hinder survival, i.e., no food and no shelter and occupiers of premises should bear this in mind.
Shops Act, 1950, Section 38.— Shops require to be reasonably ventilated, heated
and lighted, and there should be suitable and sufficient sanitary and washing facilities for the persons
employed therein. In this connection, 45 inspections were made during the year.
Nine certificates of exemption re provision of sanitary accommodation were withdrawn during
the year because the necessary provision had been made or the circumstances justifying the exemption
were no longer operative.
Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials Act, 1951.— This Act is designed to ensure that
filling materials used in upholstery, etc., comply with prescribed conditions of cleanliness. Premises
using filling materials have to be registered and premises where rag flock is manufactured or stored
have to be licensed. It is an offence to sell articles containing unclean materials. Certain records have
to be kept on registered and licensed premises and authorised officers of a local authority have powers
to enter, inspect and take samples. Under this Act, five premises in the Borough have been registered
and the Sanitary Inspectors made seven visits of inspection.

The baths waters are treated by continuous filtration and chlorination. At Hounslow and Hes on
Baths the breakpoint system of chlorination has been installed. The advantage of this system, w 10,
is more expensive than the usual process and requires close and skilled supervision, is the stronger an
22