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47
LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL (GENERAL POWERS) ACT, 1927, SEC. 52.
Nuisance Caused by Pigeons.—The number of complaints received arising from the
above cause was eight. Fifty pigeons were trapped and destroyed.
RATS AND MICE (DESTRUCTION) ACT, 1919.
Seventy-six (76) complaints were received.
In practically every case the usual procedure was followed of requesting an examination
by the Borough Engineer and Surveyor of the sewer connections of the infested house and
the two premises immediately adjacent. In several instances defects were found and these
received the requisite attention of either the owner or, where only a minor trouble, the Borough
Engineer and Surveyor.
It was not found necessary to serve any Notices under the Act in respect of rat-infested
premises.
Rat Week.—This was held from 5th to 10th November inclusive. The usual circular
letter was sent out to principal wharfingers, railway companies, tradesmen, etc., and an
intensive campaign in sewers, etc., carried out by the Borough Engineer and Surveyor, who
caused 8,610 baits to be laid in 629 different positions, 189 rats eventually being found dead.
This number is of course only a small proportion of the number killed.
VERMINOUS CONDITIONS.
Cleansing of Verminous Persons.—Seventeen (17) cases were referred by the department
to the Kensington Medicinal Baths for treatment under the scheme arranged with the
Kensington Borough Council.
Cleansing of Verminous Rooms.—Notices under section 10 of the London County Council
(General Powers) Act, 1922 were served with respect to 75 premises, the verminous rooms
numbering 108.
The owners of 49 premises accepted the Council's offer with regard to the spraying of
infested rooms with a special vermicidal solution, 78 rooms being so treated at a charge to the
owners of 7s. 6d. per room.
During the year Section 26 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1928,
came into force. This authorises the cleansing of verminous persons by the exercise of powers
granted by a petty sessional court in cases where the verminous person does not consent
to being removed to a cleansing station.
COMPULSORY REMOVAL OF AGED, INFIRM OR DISEASED PERSONS.
By virtue of Section 28 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1928, which
came into force on August 3rd, 1928, it became possible in London to remove to a hospital
or infirmary, by compulsion and under certain circumstances, aged, infirm, sick or physically
incapacitated persons.
The circumstances which may enable an order for removal to be obtained are somewhat
involved. Unless the person concerned is suffering from disease it is necessary for the
premises to be insanitary. It is in all cases necessary as well to prove that the person is
not receiving proper attention and that removal is necessary in the interests of the affected
person and of other persons. During the latter part of the year a number of cases were
referred to the Medical Officer of Health by the Relieving Officers for any necessary action
to be taken. In no case was it found that all the circumstances existed which would enable
removal to be effected. It does not appear that the section will be put into effect very often
in view of the attendant legal difficulties. This does not mean that the section has not its
uses, since the very existence of such dormant powers may enable the Poor Law officers to
overcome the reluctance of many neglected and aged persons who are in unsuitable surroundings
and who would be much happier in the workhouse or infirmary.