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RENT AND MORTGAGE INTEREST (RESTRICTIONS) ACTS.—Applications for disrepair certificates numbered 12
(15), all (13) of which were granted. One (two) clearance certificate was applied for and one (one) was issued.
DRAINAGE RECONSTRUCTION PLANS.—During the year 229 (231) plans were submitted for drainage work in
existing buildings. In one case legal proceedings were taken for the non-deposit of plans and £3 3s. Od. costs were
awarded, the plans being submitted by the time the case was heard.
COMMON LODGING HOUSES.—A Lady Sanitary Inspector made two (18) visits to Cecil House and visits were paid
by a Male Sanitary Inspector to examine the boilers and fire escape arrangements.
PHARMACY AND POISONS ACT, 1933.—At the end of the year the Register contained the names of 110 (109) persons
entitled to sell the poisons scheduled in Part II of the Poisons List.
CANAL BOATS.—The Canal Boats Inspector visited Paddington Basin on 48 (85) occasions during the year and made
31 (53) inspections of canal boats. One notice, to make a cabin weatherproof, was served and complied with and some
other defects remedied following a letter to the owner. Nine (7) children of school age were found to be living on boats
coming into the basin. No deaths were registered in Paddington and no cases of infectious disease reported from among
the canal boat population.
BAKEHOUSES.—The number of bakehouses in the Borough remains the same as last year—eighteen " level " and
eight " basement." These bakehouses are inspected constantly to ensure the maintenance of a high standard of hygiene.
During the year 193 (257) visits were paid.
RODENT CONTROL.—The following table gives details of the work carried out during the year under the Prevention
of Damage by Pests Act, 1949.

It was necessary to serve only one notice under the Act, for proofing. This was complied with so that no default
action or legal proceedings were required.
Five "block" control schemes were carried out and the sewers in the Borough received two treatments, in
January and June.
In 1945 the charges for work done by the Council were fixed at 5s. Od. per treatment for private premises and
a minimum of 10s. Od. per treatment for business premises, subject to the discretion of the Medical Officer of Health
to exempt premises where such a course was considered desirable.
With a view to bringing these charges more into line with the cost involved it was decided that from November,
1951, the charge for business premises should be 5s. 6d. per man-hour.
It had also been found that infestation in private residences arose in a large number of cases from defective drains
and other external causes which could not, except in rare instances, in any way be attributed to the fault of the occupier
of the premises. It was also decided therefore that from the same date private residences should be treated free of
charge except where the co-operation of the occupier could not be obtained and it became necessary to serve notices
on him.