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NOISE NUISANCE - In the Middlesex County Council Act a noise nuisance is deemed
to exist 'where any person makes or continues or causes to be made or continued any
excessive or unreasonable or unnecessary noise which is injurious or dangerous to
health'. Further, it is a good defence for the person charged to show 'that he has
used the best practicable means of preventing or mitigating the nuisance, having
regard to the cost and to other relevant circumstances.' Most complaints of noise
nuisance arise in connection with industrial processes carried on in factories situated
close to houses. 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 14 complaints of nuisance from noise were received. Thirteen
were associated with factories but the other was not confirmed In most cases there
appeared to be some justification for the complaint and, with the co-operation of the
users of the factories, considerable reduction in noise was achieved.
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 3 inspections were made
during the year
No certificate of exemption re provision of sanitary accommodation was granted.
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 Public Health Inspectors made 6 visits of Inspec-
t.i on