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SANITARY INSPECTIONS, ETC .
The number of complaints received was slightly less than
in 1940 and much less than before the War. On the other hand
the number of inspections made was considerably more than last
year, the increase concerning almost all sides of public health
work, excepting those relating to infectious disease.
Sixteen disinfestations were carried out, compared with 3 in
1940. As might be expected the number of defects reported and
remedied both increased, although not to the same level as before
the war owing to the reduction in staff.
ERADICATION OF BED BUGS.
The methods adopted during recent years for the
eradication of bed bugs were continued and proved satisfactory.
The number of houses dealt with was,the same as last
year, viz. 4, including 1 Council house.
The work was carried out privately or by the Council,
and no firm of public contractors was engaged.
RATS AND MICE DESTRUCTION.
Increased activity in this branch of the work was a
feature of the year. Forty complaints were received which was
8 less than the previous year but 658 inspections were made
this being three times the number of visits paid in 1940. Only
46 premises were found to be infested, and 4o premises were
satisfactorily cleared during the year.
The type of poison used included rat biscuit (red
squill), although the supply of these soon ceased owing to the
War, phosphorous preparations, barium carbonate biscuits and
cyanide gas. Rat lines and traps were sometimes used but were
not found to be of material value.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Legal proceedings were taken in two cases in respect
of seven houses under the Public Health Act 1936 in connection
with nuisances, Orders of the Court being made in each instance.
REGULATED TRaDES.
COWSHEDS AND DAIRIES.
The dairy farms in existence at the end of 1941 were the
same as in recent years, 2 continuing to be licenced by the
Surrey County Council as "Accredited" under the Milk and Dairies
(Special Designations) Order 1936.
At the end of the year there were nine registered
dairies, the use of one having ceased, and 3O registered retailers
of whom 15 were outside the District.
slaughter houses.
There were two slaughterhouses within the district but
neither was licenced during the year. Licences to slaughter
animals were issued to two slaughtermen.
bakehouses.
There' were seven bakehouses in use which were used
mostly for making bread and confectionery. At 26 other
premises confectionery was made for sale thereon.