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25
Rag and Bone Dealers.
Premises occupied by rag and bone dealers in the Borough are
subjected to regular inspection. During the year 122 inspections
were made.
One case was reported by the Police of an itinerant rag dealer,
who was exchanging toys for rags with children under the age of
15 years. This is an offence against Section 26 of the London County
Council (General Powers) Act, 1952. The case was dealt with by
cautionary letter, and the Medical Officer of Health in whose Borough
the rag dealer resided was informed of the action taken.
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949.
This Act gives power generally to the Council to require steps to be
taken to eradicate infestations of rats and mice and where possible to
Prevent infestations occurring. These duties are carried out by the
Rodent Officer, assisted by three Rodent Operatives.
All infestations coming to light, whether by way of complaint or
otherwise, are systematically investigated, and the appropriate action
taken. Where the cause of the trouble is obviously defective drains
or other defects in the building, the owner is called upon to effect the
necessary repairs. This aspect of the work involves close co-operation
between the Rodent Control Staff and the Public Health Inspectors.
In other cases, the occupier is called on to set traps, lay baits or take
other action as the circumstances may require. The setting of traps and
laying of baits is, on request, carried out by the Rodent Control Staff,
charges being made for this service. These charges are usually nominal
except in the case of business premises, where the cost is charged in full.
The sewers under the control of the Council are treated twice yearly,
accordance with the suggestion of the Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries (Infestation Control Division). Their recommended method
of treatment, namely, the laying of prebait (unpoisoned) on two days,
followed on the third day by poisoned bait, is followed.
The Ministry make a grant of 50 per cent. towards the cost of
the service, in so far as this is not recovered from the owners or occupiers
of premises.

The total number of visits made to the above premises, and
to others which were found not to be infested, was 3,347.