View report page

-6-
WATER SUPPLY. Generally, this service is provided by the Metropolitan
Water Board directnfrom the mains and examinations are carried out by
the Board. No complaints were made to the Public Health Department
during the year.
WATER CERTIFICATES (Public Health (London) Act, 1936, section 95.)
Certificates were issued in respect of 614 new dwellings
(541 Borough Council and 73 London County Council)
RENT etc. RESTRICTION ACTS. Certificates under these Acts were
issued as follows:-
to Tenants 74
to Owners 30
RODENT CONTROL.
Contributory Scheme. In October, 1943, the Council authorised the
organisation of a contributory scheme for rodent control similar to
that in force in the Port of London. At the end of 1945 there were
100 films participating in respect of 119 premises. During the year
901 treatments were applied resulting in the recovery of the bodies
of 3722 brown rats, 1757 black rate and 357 mice. The treatments
applied were in accordance with the standard procedure laid down by
the Ministry of Food, whose help and guidance have always been,
available when required. The full establishment of 6 rat-catchers
has been employed. Good progress with this work has been made,
particularly in the Isle of Dogs area, where, during the year, the
39 premises treated have shown marked freedom from rats for
considerable periods of time. Inspections were made and treatments
applied at frequent intervals in order to minimise the effects of
possible re-invasion of the premises by rats from river-borne traffic.
The remaining 80 premises are in Poplar, Bow and Old Ford, and it is
believed that all premises in Poplar and Bow known to harbour rats
are under observation and treatment, either by the Public Health
department or by service companies specialising in this work. The
application of block control methods throughout the Borough has been
found to be the most economic and efficient method and great strides
have been made in the Poplar and Bow areas as a result.
Complaints. During the year 228 complaints relating to 176
dwelling-houses were investigated. The results may be list.ed as
follows:-
138 premises found to be infested with rats.
9 " " " " " " mice.
29 complaints not substantiated.
Of the justifiable complaints causation was as follows:-
48 defective drains 2 defective sewer connections.
44 instances of rats gaining access to house through war
37 instances of rats coming from uncleared debris. (damage.
16 instances of rats coming from industrial premises.
A total of 643 rodents were found dead; 414 brown rate,
164 black rats and 65 mice.
There were also 22 complaints, 6 relating to business
premises which have since entered the contributory scheme, 2 relating
to air raid shelters, 9 relating to small shops and licensed premises,
4 relating to Poplar Borough Council premises and 1 to a London
County Council school.
50 black rats and 59 brown rats were found dead ??? a result
of treatments applied.
The amount of work done in respect of complaints from the
general public has increased enormously, but the employment of six
rat-catchers has made it possible to deal quickly with these complaints
as they arise, and it is felt that the degree of success achieved is
very satisfactory in view of the large amount of war damage in the