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INCREASE OF RENT AND MORTGAGE INTEREST (RESTRICTIONS) ACTS,
1920—1933.
During 1935, nine applications for certificates under the above-named Acts as to the
fitness of dwelling-houses for habitation were received and in six cases were issued; in the
other three cases the applications were withdrawn.
In addition three applications that work specified in certificates had been carried out
were received from owners and in all cases " Clearance Certificates " were issued.
REMOVAL OF AGED, INFIRM AND PHYSICALLY INCAPACITATED PERSONS.
Section 28 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1928, gives the Council
power to apply to a Magistrate for an Order for the removal to a hospital, institution or other
similar place, of aged, infirm or physically incapacitated persons, living under insanitary
conditions.
During the year no persons were removed, but 25 cases voluntarily agreed to enter
institutions on the advice of the Woman Sanitary Inspector. In addition, 40 cases were kept
under supervision, but it was not thought necessary to arrange for them to enter institutions.
RAT REPRESSION AND DESTRUCTION.
The Borough Council employs a Rat Officer who is a whole-time employee of the Public
Health Department. He attends to complaints regarding rat and mice infestation in the
Borough and takes steps necessary for their destruction. He also traces the manner in which
the rats have gained entry to the premises and gives advice regarding the methods necessary
to prevent a recurrence of the trouble. In all cases the Rat Officer works in close association
with the Sanitary Inspectors. During the year 173 formal complaints regarding infestation
by rats were received, and 2,414 visits were made to dwelling houses and business premises
in the Borough. In addition, 1,051 visits to sewers in all parts of the Borough were made.
Poison baits were laid as follows:—
In dwelling houses 244
In business premises 56
In sewers 3,151
Out of the 173 complaints investigated, in 85 instances or 49.13 per cent., the rats
gained admission to the premises owing to defective drains.
The type of drainage defect was as follows:—
Defective drains under premises 37
Defective connections under footway 41
Direct from sewers 7
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