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the premises therein were demolished in 1958, since when the
nuisances have been aggravated owing to the whole site being
used as a dump for unwanted refuse of every description.
Various proposals have since been made for the acquisition
and redevelopment of the site, and it was seriously considered
by the Council for use for a much needed public convenience.
The plan was not proceeded with owing to the redevelopment
taking place on the Willesden side of Kilburn High Road. This
includes the erection of a public convenience for which both
Councils will share the cost of construction and subsequent
maintenance.
PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT - 1949
DESTRUCTION OF RATS AND MICE.
Surface Treatment.
The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949, Part 1,
Section 3, imposes an obligation upon an occupier of land to
give notice to the Local Authority, in writing, if it comes to
his knowledge that rats and mice are living on or resorting to
the land in substantial numbers.
Section 13 of Part II of the Act imposes a similar obligation
to be given in writing to the Minister by every person
whose business consists of the manufacture, storage, transport
and sale of food.
In practice this Department receives complaints alike from
both categories above, in addition to which your Public Health
Inspectors and Rodent Operators, as far as possible, inspect
adjoining premises when investigating complaints. Treatment
in conformity with the approved recommendations of the Ministry
of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is put in hand forthwith, and
in only a few cases is it necessary to perform re-treatments.
There appears to be but little connection between sewer and
surface infestation by rats, and it is seldom, these days, that
any such infestation can be attributed to a defective drainage
system and the consequent passage of rats from sewer to building.
A table showing the summary of surface treatments appears
in the Statistical Section.
Control of Rats in Sewers.
I am indebted to the Borough Engineer and Surveyor for
particulars in regard to the control of rats in sewers.