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The collection of house, etc., refuse in the Borough is under
the control of the Borough Surveyor, and very few complaints
have been received as to non collection.
One thousand and twelve new ash receptacles have been provided.
Horse Slaughterer.—The one horse.slaughtering premises in
""the Borough has been inspected and the cleansing of the premises
duly carried out.
Houses Let in Lodgings.—When the new London County
Council By.laws become law the thorough supervision of this class
of property will be practicable, but, as was the case in 1920,
houses let in lodgings were dealt with as far as possible under
the powers conferred by the Public Health (London) Act, 1891.
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.—At the suggestion
of the Ministry of Agriculture, this Council, in common with the
majority of Local Authorities throughout the country, participated
in the Annual Rat Week which was held the week commencing
31st October. This was conducted on the same lines as last year.
Posters were displayed throughout the Borough, and commercial
houses and firms were invited to take concerted action for the
destruction of rats.
From enquiries and investigations made by the Council's Rats
Officer (Mr. Morgan), it appears that occupiers generally are fully
alive to the seriousness of the results of rat infestation, and there
are reasons to believe that the efforts directed against these pests,
not only during Rat Week, but during the whole year, have been
attended with marked success.
In all four hundred and fifty.seven investigations were made by
the Rats Officer, and 64 notices were served upon occupiers of
premises who had failed to take the necessary steps for the destruction
of rats or for the prevention of rat infestation. It was generally
found that owners of rat infested property readily adopted all
possible means for the extermination of the vermin so soon as
the matter was represented to them.
Increase oe Rent & Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Act,
1920.—Under the provisions of this Act landlords are empowered to
make certain increases of rent, and tenants whose houses are not
in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation may apply to
the Sanitary Authority for a certificate to this effect, enabling them
to take proceedings to get the increase suspended until such time
as the necessary works shall have been completed.
Sixty four such applications for certificates were received.
Forty six certificates were granted; in the remaining 18 cases the