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11
During 1956, sixty-eight new flats, which became ready for
occupation, were treated with Gammexane smoke generators before being
occupied. The furniture, etc. of the sixty-eight families selected
to move into these flats was inspected. With one exception, every
case was found to be free from vermin and the tenants were allowed to
move directly into their new homes. In the one infested case, the
furniture was taken to the Council's disinfecting station and treated
with H.C.N, before being moved into the new accommodation.
In addition to the above case, the furniture of ten other
families, selected to move into vacated Council flats (or conversions)
was found to be infested and was treated with H.C.N, at the disinfecting
station.
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, 1957, and the following table gives the details for this
period:-