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12
Arrangements were made for the observance of this "Rat' Week" in the
Borough accordingly. By way of preparation a circular was issued to the owners
of all premises where rats were found to exist, drawing attention to the damage
done by rats and emphasizing the desirability of a special concerted effort to
destroy these vermin from time to time, also intimating that the Sanitary Inspectors
would visit the premises and give any information or advice desired.
Another circular letter was sent to the owners of all other premises where there
was reason to suspect rats might be present, similarly drawing attention to the
necessity for their destruction and offering to arrange for a visit by the Inspector
if desired. With both these letters I issued, and drew special attention to, a
memorandum on rat proofing, seeing that it is very desirable to encourage this
most effective means for the prevention of nuisance from rats, as far as possible.
Subsequently a report was presented to the Public Health Committee on the
subject. The following recommendations embodied in the report were approved
by the Committee and adopted by the Council:—
(1) That arrangements be made for the preparation of suitable rat poisons
and that the same be supplied at cost price to occupiers of rat-infested premises in
the Borough.
(2) That the Works and General Purposes Committee be requested to arrange
for the services of one of the Council's workmen being available for the purposes
of rat proofing on condition that the cost of such services and the material used be
defrayed by the occupiers of premises where the work is carried out.
(3) That the Council do enter into a contract with a reliable firm of ratcatchers
and that a scale of fees be agreed upon with such firm with a view to the occupiers
of rat infested premises being referred to such firm when necessary.
(4) That a communication be addressed to the Ministry of Health, the Ministry
of Agriculture and Fisheries, and the London County Council, urging that legislation
be introduced to provide for:—
(a) The registration of rat-catchers.
(b) For placing on owners or occupiers of property an obligation to notify
the Local Sanitary Authority on ceasing to use any drain or similar sanitary
fitting and for making it an offence to cease to use any such drain or other
similar sanitary fitting without efficient sealing off.
(c) For extending liability under the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919,
to the " owner " as well as the occupier of rat-infested premises.