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On investigation, it was found that very serious nuisance is being
caused by these birds. In addition to accumulation of excreta in rain
pipes and gullies, pipes are blocked by the nests of the birds, and the
areas and walls of houses concerned are in an insanitary state generally.
Further, the birds pick out portions of mortar and cement from the
structures, tending to cause dampness within the houses. The removal,
cleansing and replacement of rain pipes ; the cleansing of areas and
walls ; and other repair work involves the owners of such property in
considerable and recurring expense.
Until recently a Sanitary Authority had no powers to deal with
nuisance caused by pigeons ; in fact, there were restraining enactments
which prevented steps being taken to reduce the nuisance, e.g., under the
Larceny Act, 1861, section 23, there is a penalty of £2 if pigeons are shot
or trapped and this may be claimed by a common informer.
A recent London County Council (General Powers) Act now enables a
Sanitary Authority to take necessary steps to reduce the number of
pigeons within its area and it is hoped that the nuisance referred to will
be abated expeditiously as a result of the measures shortly to come into
operation.
Factories, Workshops and Workplaces. The Medical Officer of Health
is required under Section 132 of the Factory and Workshops Act, 1901,
to include in his annual report details of the administration of this Act
in his district. The total number of factories, workshops and workplaces
on the register at the end of the year was 280. The number of
inspections of these premises was 898, which compares with 886 in 1926.
Sanitary defects were found in 30 instances. The following Table No. 20
is in the form requested by the Home Office in order to ensure uniformity
in the presentation of returns: —