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During 1948 no prosecution was instituted under the Factories Act,
1937.
Rodent Control
Three full-time men are engaged on this work. They act under the
instructions of the District Sanitary Inspectors, who first investigate
all rat complaints.
No major infestation is reported, but the number of complaints
received during the year—641—is a substantial increase over last year's
figure of 499. Complaints of mice infestation account for a considerable
part of this increase.
Despite persistent eradication work carried out on land in the vicinity
of the honeycomb of railways and tunnels across the Borough, re-infestations
occur with almost monotonous regularity. Your staff co-operate
with that of the Railways on this problem, but it is obvious that much
intensive work will be required, particularly on railway lands, if successful
results are to be achieved.
Three sewer treatments were carried out during the year—in January,
February and June—the estimated kill (vide the Ministry of Agriculture
formula) being 2,700.
Water
The Borough's water supply is provided entirely by the Metropolitan
Water Board and has been satisfactory in quality and quantity. No
complaint of contamination was received.
All the dwelling-houses in the Borough are supplied from public
water mains direct to the houses. There are no wells or stand pipes.
Bath Waters.
Samples of water were regularly taken from the Hampstead Swimming
Baths. These proved to be satisfactory.
Inspection and Supervision of Food
The need for the conservation of food supplies, both local and
national, continues to be of paramount importance, and the services
of your Sanitary and Food Inspectors are always available for advice
and assistance to the general public and food traders throughout the
Borough.