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being discovered this year compared with 88 in 1961. As each defective drain can
be the source of several surface infestations, the importance of regular and systematic
treatment of the sewers cannot be over-emphasised.
The Borough Engineer is responsible for sewer treatments and in the autumn of
the year under review, discussions were held between the Borough Engineer, myself
and officers from the Ministry of Agriculture, as a result of which it was agreed to
use sodium fluoracetamide in the poison bait used in the sewers in future. It is
anticipated that a considerable reduction in sewer infestation will result, as reports
of this new treatment method are most promising.
50 fewer dwellings were found to be infested with mice, compared with last
year. This is a most encouraging result as much time is spent on these treatments,
time which could be more profitably utilised in other aspects of rodent control
where negligence by the complainant is not a contributory factor to the infestation.
It is, we hope, evidence that the public are beginning to take active steps in the
way of proper storage of food and general cleanliness to discourage these rodents.
Income from treatments at business premises amounted to £134 for the current
year, an increase of £21 over 1961.

Complaints of rat infestation 475 (516)
Complaints of mice infestation 116 (155)
Premises treated by Council staff 512 (612)
Major infestations 49 (102)
Notices served relating to Rodent Control 51 (69)
Re-inspections by Public Health Inspectors on Infested
premises 1,037 (1,456)
LICENCES AND REGISTRATIONS
London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1954
Hairdressers and Barbers
During the year 5 new applications were received and registered, making a
total of 132 hairdressers and barbers registered in the Borough.
Due to the shortage of Inspectors it was not possible to keep all these premises
under observation during the year.
Pharmacy and Poisons Act, 1933
Pharmacy and Medicines Act, 1941
The names and addresses of 86 retailers were entered on the Council's list of
persons entitled to sell poisons under Part II of the above Acts. Many of these
persons are food retailers and in some instances the poisons sold are only household
disinfectants, but a careful watch is kept on commodities sold under proprietary
names containing other poisons mentioned on the list.
No action was necessary in respect of any offences under the Acts.