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parts thereof to determine whether they comply with the
regulations.
Since the public health inspectors are already
authorised to carry out similar duties under the Heating
Appliances (Fireguards) Act, it was felt that it would be
appropriate for them to carry out the duties under the
Oil Burners (Standards) Act.
Rodent Control
There was no reduction in the number of complaints
received of rat infestation in spite of continued efforts
to eradicate these pests. One of the reasons for such complaints
is no doubt the disturbance of drains and sewers
during the extensive building development which is taking
place. In time, however, this should assist in controlling
the rat population by replacing old disused and defective
drains by new rat-proof systems which will help to contain
them. It is of the utmost importance, however, that all
old drains be properly sealed off at their point of entry
into the sewer to prevent the egress of rats. In many instances,
persistent infestations have been found to be
associated with old, disused and unsealed drains, the
existence of which was not suspected until they were discovered
in the course of excavation to trace rat-runs.
Systematic baiting of sewers was carried out four
times during the year in conjunction with the Borough
Engineer and Surveyor's Department in an effort to prevent
rat activity increasing.
Complaints of mice infestations have also shown a
tendency to increase and it is significant that most of
these concern houses where there are coloured tenants. As
suggested elsewhere in this report coloured immigrants,
generally speaking, have lower hygienic standards and live
in overcrowded communities; they are less careful in protecting
food and disposing of food waste. This gives
easy access to food for these rodents which are thus
encouraged to live and breed under most favourable conditions.
The eradication of mice is therefore not a
diminishing problem, involving as it does not only regular
methods of control, but also the health education of the
immigrant population in food hygiene and waste disposal.
Control of Insects and Mites
The number of infestations by bed bugs and fleas has
been reduced very considerably since the Second World War
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