View report page

Rat Repression.—Forty-four complaints of rats were received and
in each case an inspector investigated as to the cause of the complaint.
In a number of instances it was found that they had entered through faulty
or defective drains and sewers. Thirty-four connections were examined by
the City Engineer's staff at the request of the Public Health Department.
During " Rat Week," beginning in November, a special circular
dealing with the causes of rat invasion and the means of getting rid of
rats was distributed to householders and to business firms. During that
week baits were laid in the Council's sewers, as in former years.
Water Supply.—The Metropolitan Water Board sent nine notices
of withdrawal of water supply to premises. In eight cases the reason for
the action of the Board was failure to pay water rate, and in the remaining
one defects in the water fittings, causing waste of water.
Water Supply in Tenement Houses.—Power to effect this provision is
given under Section 48 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, and
under Section 78 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act,
1907. The number of cases in which this action was taken since 1924
is as follows :—
1924. 1925. 1926. 1927. 1928.
27 55 44 22 6
By-laws as to Removal of Offensive Refuse.—Two cases were reported
of removal in unsuitable vehicles and in inadequate receptacles. A
summons was ordered in each case, one defendant being fined fl and
£1 costs; the other case was dismissed owing to lack of sufficient
evidence.