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drainage connections to the sewers were relaid and other drainage defects
were dealt with in 12 instances.
One of the disinfectors by arrangement with the Port of London
Authority received instruction at the docks in methods of rat destruction.
He has given useful help to the Sanitary Inspectors and occupiers of
premises and has visited 29 premises for the purpose of tracing the source
of infestation, baiting and setting of traps.
Officers of the Works Department have, in addition to laying baits
in the sewers throughout the year, treated four sections of sewers with
gas and also the drainage systems of 9 houses and other premises.
During " Rat Week " in November the efforts in connection with rat
destruction were intensified, circulars were distributed and the number of
baits laid throughout the year in the sewers and at the Council's house
refuse depots and other places were largely increased.
Nuisance from Pigeons.—Section 52 (1) of the London County Council
(General Powers) Act, 1927. The administration of this section is a duty
of the City Council and details of the arrangements made were given in
he Report of 1928.
Seven complaints were received and trapping took place in three
different areas. The same difficulties were experienced as in former years
owing to the partisan feelings of the community.
A member of the disinfecting staff whose duties are mostly concerned
with rat disinfestation also devotes some time to reducing the number
of pigeons on complaint. During the autumn he visited same 15
premises and caught 389 pigeons; Messrs. Daltons also operated in
Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square and reduced the number of
pigeons by 200.
Local Government Act, 1929—Section 64.—This section gives power to
the Minister to make an order on the application of the London County
Council or any representative association of the Metropolitan Borough
Councils for the transfer of certain functions exercisable by the County
Council to the Borough Councils and for the delegation of other functions
of the County Council to the Borough Councils acting as agents of the
former.
After the passing of the Act, discussion as to possible transfer and
delegation had proceeded between the County Council and the Metropolitan
Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee for upwards of two years
without final agreement being reached. Both bodies therefore thought
it best for the Minister to decide and for that purpose made a joint
application to him.