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33
ROAD TRAFFIC ACT. 1956,, SECTION 42
Protective Helmets for Motor Cyclists. As far as could be
ascertained, there were no premises in the Borough retailing
these helmets during 1957. One shop did open early in 1958.
PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT. 1949
Rodent Control. There has been little change in the incidence
of rat and mouse infestation in the Borough. We are fortunate
in the fact that major infestations are comparatively rare and
there have been no known infestations by ship (black) rat.
The majority of complaints arise through rats gaining
access to premises via broken sub-floor ventilating gratings,
damaged cellar windows or doors, etc. Only in 17 instances was
the course traced with any degree of certainty to defective
drainage.
The number of premises treated for rat infestation was
263 and for mice 586, which shows an increase of 60 and 133
respectively over the figures for 1956 (calendar year). This
has not been due to an increased number of complaints but arises
from additional surveys undertaken by the rodent operators and
the subsequent treatment of infestations discovered as a result
thereof. It remains to be seen whether this more intensive
survey will be effective in reducing still further the complaints
made to the Departments
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food pay
a grant of 50 per cento of the approved net expenditure
incurred in the destruction of rats and mice.Infestations in
dwelling-houses are treated free of cost to the occupier but
expenditure incurred in business and commercial premises is
re-charged to the owners at the rate of 17s.0d. per hour for
the operative's time and includes the cost of baiting materials
and poison.
After the 31st March each year, the Minister requires
the Council to submit details showing (l) the extent of
infestation in the Borough, (2) special circumstances to which
any undue presence of rats and mice might be attributed and
(3) the nature and extent of co-operation with contiguous
authorities. The following table shows the details submitted
to the Minister for the year ended 31st March, 1958.