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14
(d) The sanitary inspector re-visits the flat
after a period of six months, and takes appropriate
action if the flat is found to have become infested.
During 1955, 148 Council flats became ready for occupation,
and in 134 cases the furniture of the ingoing families was
found to be free from vermin and the tenants were allowed to
move in directly. In the remaining 14 cases, the furniture
was taken to the Council's Disinfecting Station and treated
with H.C.N, before being moved into the new flats.
Prevention of Damage by Pests
The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949, imposes a
duty on occupiers of premises to notify the Council of rodent
infestation, and the Council are required to ensure that
the borough is, as far as practicable, kept free from rats
and mice. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
pay a grant of 50% of the approved net expenditure incurred.
The Council deal with rat and mice infestation in dwelling
houses without cost to the occupiers, but expenditure incurred
in treating infestations on commercial and industrial premises
is recovered from the owners.
The Council are required to submit reports on (i) the
extent of infestation, (ii) special circumstances to which
any undue presence of rats and mice might be attributed and
(iii) the nature and extent of co-operative working with
contiguous local authorities.
The Minister has requested a report for the year ended
31st March, 1956, and the following table gives the details
for this period:-