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dwelling houses, 5 shops, 16 stores and warehouses, and 14 factories. In one case rats were found on an open space.
Ratproofing was carried out in 22 premises. The chief methods employed in dealing with nuisance from rats were
baiting and trapping. The main sources of infestation were sewers and drains damaged as a result of enemy action,
and bombed sites with their collections of debris. Preventive measures taken in this connection included the
sealing off of a considerable number of sewer connections.
Mosquitoes.—During the summer months a considerable number of complaints were received regarding the breeding
of mosquitoes in emergency water tanks, bomb craters and other sites where water collected. Appropriate methods
of treatment, including oiling and the use of other larvicidal agents, resulted in the abatement of the nuisance in all
cases. Collaboration with the fire fighting authorities was secured in instances where their tanks were found to be
infested with the insects.
Pigeons.—Four complaints of nuisance from these birds (two relating to private dwellings and two to allotments)
were dealt with in 1941.
Dog Nuisance.—Breaches of the bye-law relating to the fouling of footways by dogs were detected by police officers
in 3 cases, in all of which, following prosecution, convictions were secured and penalties imposed.
The total number of prosecutions since the bye-law came into operation in 1928 is 298, the amount of fines imposed
being £110 lis. 6d.
Noise.—During the year 11 complaints of noise were received, five relating to wireless loudspeakers, gramophones and
similar instruments, two to machinery, two to tenants of a flat, one to a lorry, and one to a brass band.
The issue of notices were necessary to obtain a remedy of nuisance caused by wireless loudspeakers at 2 premises.
Poisons.—Traders whose names were on the Council's list of persons entitled to sell poisons included in Part II of the
Poisons List (Pharmacy and Poisons Acts, 1852 to 1941) numbered 94 at the end of 1941. Inspections of premises
were carried out during the year, and in no instance was there failure to comply with the requirements which apply
to the sale of poisons by a listed seller of Part II poisons.
The Pharmacy and Medicines Act, 1941, which received the Royal Assent on the 7th August, 1941, amends certain
provisions of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, 1933, and, among other things, prohibits certain types of medical advertisement
and requires disclosure of composition of medicines. No action under the new statute was called for during the
remainder of the year.
Factories.—The number of registered factories at the end of the year was 1,228. In addition there were 236
restaurants, tea rooms, coffee shops, etc., and 34 bakehouses (25 underground). Frequent inspections were carried
out, and defects were remedied in 17 instances (want of cleanliness 3 ; insufficient or unsuitable sanitary conveniences
14). Outworkers' lists were received from 62 employers relating to 196 contractors and 647 workpeople.
Civil Defence.—Miscellaneous visits by the sanitary inspectors in connection with civil defence activities not
referred to elsewhere in this report numbered 762 and included 400 visits relating to arrangements for the gas cleansing
of business personnel.
SECTION D.—HOUSING.
Reliable figures as to the number of occupied houses and flats in the Borough for the year under review are
not available.
1. Inspection of Dwelling-houses:—
(1) (a) Total number of dwelling-houses inspected for housing defects (under Public Health or
Housing Acts) 1,681
(b) Number of inspections made for the purpose 3,793
(2) (a) Number of dwelling-houses (included under sub-head (1) above) which were inspected and
recorded under the Housing Consohdated Amendment Regulations, 1932 Nil
(b) Number of inspections made for the purpose Nil
(3) Number of dwelling-houses found to be in a state so dangerous or injurious to health as to be
unfit for human habitation Nil
(4) Number of dwelling-houses (exclusive of those referred to under the preceding sub-head) found
not to be in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation 234
2. Remedy of Defects without Service of formal Notices:—
Number of defective dwelling-houses rendered fit in consequence of informal action by the
local authority or their officers 312
3. Action under Statutory Powers:—
(a) Proceedings under sections 9, 10 and 16 of the Housing Act, 1936 :
(1) Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which notices were served requiring repairs Nil
(2) Number of dwelling-houses which were rendered fit after service of formal notices:—
(a) By owners Nil
(b) By local authority in default of owners Nil
(b) Proceedings under Public Health Acts:—
(1) Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which notices were served requiring defects to be
remedied 18
(2) Number of dwelling-houses in which defects were remedied after service of formal notices:—
(a) By owners 16
(b) By local authority in default of owners Nil