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30
Overcrowding.
On the 1st January, 1950, 199 families were known to be living in overcrowded
conditions. During the year a further 48 families were found to be living in overcrowded
conditions. In 39 cases, overcrowding was abated during the year as follows: —
Families rehoused by the Holborn Borough Council 7
Families rehoused by the London County Council 15
Accommodation found by other means 14
Size of family decreased by death or otherwise 2
During the year 184 visits were made by the Sanitary Inspectors in connection with
conditions of overcrowding.
In cases where overcrowding is abated, a warning letter is sent to the owner of the
premises drawing attention to the relevant provisions of the Housing Act, 1936.
Rodent Control.
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949.
This Act, which came into force on the 31st March, 1950, replaces The Rats and
Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919. The new Act lays a duty on local authorities to see that
their district is kept free from rats and mice. It empowers them to carry out inspections
and to require owners and occupiers to keep their land free from infestation. A duty is
laid upon occupiers to give notification in writing of infestation by rats or mice to the local
authority. The Act also confers powers relating to infestation of food, on the Minister
of Food. The Minister may delegate certain of these powers to a local authority.