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21
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 for chemical examination and
bacteriological analysis from the Hampstead Swimming Baths. These
proved to be satisfactory.
RODENT AND PEST CONTROL.
PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT, 1949.
The above Act came into force on the 3rd March, 1950. It repealed
the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919, and substantially strengthens
the powers of the local authority in dealing with the control of pests.
The Council employ two rodent operators for dealing with rats and
mice complaints. Complaints of other pests and vermin are dealt with
by the disinfecting staff.
The number of complaints of rodents received during the year was
727, of which 308 related to rats and 419 to mice. The figures for 1950
were 662, of which 315 were rat and 347 mouse infestation.
One summons for failure to give notice of infestation of mice at food
premises resulted in the offender being fined £5 and £1 5s. costs.
Other pest infestations dealt with were: —
Ants 5
Bugs 116
Cockroaches 186
Fleas 6
Mosquitoes 1
Moths 10
Silver fish 10
As part of the organised campaign throughout the country for the
eradication of rats in sewers, the whole of the sewerage system in the
Borough was pre-baited and poison-baited twice during the year.
Charges for Rodent Extermination.
The Public Health Committee resolved that, until otherwise decided,
no charge be made for the destruction of rats and mice by the Council
at private premises, except in cases where, as a result of the lack of cooperation
on the part of the owner or occupier, it was found necessary
to serve a notice under section 4 of the Act.
Besides relieving the Department of much administrative work, this
decision has materially assisted the staff in dealing speedily with complaints
of rodent infestation.
Charges continue to be made, in accordance with the Ministry's
request, in respect of all infestations at business premises.