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54
London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1954
Hairdressers and Barbers
Number of Gentlemen's Hairdressers 91
Number of Ladies' Hairdressers 107
Number of Ladies' and Gentlemen's Hairdressers 16
Number of premises where hairdressing ceased 3
Number of Establishments situated in basements 4
Number of Establishments situated in dwelling houses 3
Number of Establishments where no assistants
are employed 65
Number of Inspections and visits 253
Shops Act, 1950
Number of applications received for
Certificates of Exemption Nil
Number of Exemption Certificates issued Nil
Number of inspections and visits 1,580
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949
An increase in the number of complaints received is recorded including a large
increase in initial mice complaints.
There were no recorded ship rat infestations and in this connection, reference
is made to Technical Circular No.6 issued by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Fbod, in which the loss of ground by the ship rat in the United Kingdom during
the period 1956 - 1961 is outlined. The Ministry points out that it is clear that,
as predicted, the status of the ship rat in Britain has further diminished and the
species is on the way to losing its permanent foothold in the United Kingdom.
Forty-five investigations were traced to defective drains and eleven were caused
by disused or unsealed drains. One was traced to a defective sewer vent.
The situation regarding municipal housing estates continues to improve but two
in particular required the attention of the Rodent Section for some time. In the first
case, after extensive investigations, 4 disused drains were found to be the cause. In
addition, it appeared that inadequate precautions had been taken when laying the drains
to prevent rats entering by the rodding eye. Upon these receiving attention, no further
infestation has been reported.
The second case related to an estate in respect of which complaints had been
received. Before this case could be successfully finished, 24 dwellings, two churches
and 4 vacant sites had to be inspected.
A case which was the subject of press publicity was investigated and 4 disused
unsealed water closet pans were found to have allowed entry of rat into empty
premises. Upon sealing these traps, the rat nuisance immediately ceased.
Two meetings of the No.1 Workable Area Committee were attended by the Chief
Public Health Inspector as Chairman and the Rodent Officer. The second took place at
the Infestation Control Laboratories of the Ministry at .Tolworth, when members were
conducted over the various sections and the work carried on explained. Thanks are
due to the Director and his staff for a most interesting and informative visit.