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38
The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949
This Act gives the Council power to require steps to be taken to
eradicate and, when possible, to prevent infestation by rats and
mice. These duties are carried out by the pest control officer,
assisted by five rodent operatives.
All infestations coming to light, whether by complaint or otherwise,
are systematically investigated and appropriate action taken.
Where the cause of the trouble is obviously a defective drain or
other structural defects in the building, the owner is called upon
to effect the necessary repairs. This aspect of the work involves
close co-operation between the rodent control staff and the public
health inspectors.
During the year 2,672 complaints of infestation were received
in respect of which a total of 7,478 visits were made by the staff.
It is interesting to note that more than two-thirds of these complaints
related to the presence of mice, whereas complaints about
rats have decreased. The increase in the number of complaints
about mice over the last few years appears to be associated with
the growth in the number of houses which are in multiple occupation
in certain parts of the Borough. Experience shows that when
a house is let to an excessive number of families, there is an
initial hesitance to call in the local authority to deal with the
presence of mice. Eventually the premises become over-run and.
at that stage, complete eradication becomes extremely difficult.
In addition to the work of rodent control, the pest control
officer continues to carry out evening "forays" on pigeons roosting
under railway bridges in the Borough. These bridges are a favourite
breeding ground and by attacking the pigeons at their roosting
sites profitable results have been obtained, over 2,000 birds and
eggs being taken during the year.
Offensive trades
There is one establishment in the Borough at which the
scheduled offensive trade of fat melting is carried on. The firm
concerned has been established for many years and the trade is
conducted satisfactorily.
Pharmacy and Poisons Act, 1933
This Act is chiefly concerned with the distribution by sale or
otherwise of poisonous substances. The list of poisons is contained
in an Order made under the Act and is divided into two parts.
The Council are not concerned with the poisons contained in
Part I since an " authorised seller" is a pharmacist registered
with the Pharmaceutical Society, and enforcement is entrusted to
Inspectors appointed by that Society.