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16
OFFENSIVE TRADES
There are seven premises engaged in offensive trades in the
Borough as follows:—
Fellmongers, 5—Tripe Boiler, 1—Soap Boiler, 1.
During 1950, 11 inspections were made.
DUSTBINS
(Proposed amendments to Public Health Act)
In connection with the issue of intimation notices during
the year to the owners of premises regarding the absence of
suitable refuse accommodation, objections were made by the
owners on the grounds that it was not the landlord's obligation
to supply dustbins, which, it was claimed, were an occupier's
utensil. This opinion, in fact, seems to be the general trend of
cases decided by the courts. After consideration it was decided
to serve upon the owners or agents of the premises a notice under
Section 105 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936.
There is a strong body of opinion in favour of local authorities
providing dustbins, and charging the cost to rates, but this is
likely to present very great difficulties in a Borough such as this,
which consists of many old tenement properties.
Meanwhile the L.C.C. have drafted amendments to the
Public Health (London) Act, 1936, with a view to inclusion in
the forthcoming General Powers Bill, by which they are applying
to be relieved of the obligation to hear complaints from
aggrieved owners or tenants served with statutory notices to
provide dustbins, so that such procedure in London will be
on the same lines as in the provinces, namely, through the
Summary Courts.
This Bill would also provide for expenses recoverable in
respect of any premises to be secured by a charge on the
premises on the lines of Section 291 of the Public Health Act.
PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT, 1949
The above Act, which came into operation in March, re-enacts
with certain modifications the Rats & Mice Destruction Act of
1919, and gives the local authority both wider powers and
responsibilities to secure freedom from rodent infestation.
The new Act replaces the obligation under the 1919 Act for
occupiers of land to prevent infestation by rats and mice, by an
obligation to notify the local authority of such infestation; it
also enables the authority to serve notices, specifying action for
the destruction of rats or mice or the prevention of infestation,
on both the owner and the occupier.
A new clause authorises the local authority to enter infested
blocks or groups of buildings, without first serving individual
notice on owners or occupiers, to carry out necessary operations.