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RATS AND MICE DESTRUCTION ACT, 1919.
INFESTATION ORDER, 1943.
During the early part of the year work under these headings was
carried out solely by the Sanitary Inspectors, mainly in an advisory
capacity, as in previous years.
In May, 1946, the Ministry of Food in Circular N.S/12 submitted
proposals to Local Authorities for a Private Dwellings Special Scheme to
be carried out, free of cost to the occupiers of private dwellings. The
Council adopted the Scheme which was commenced in September and a
full-time temporary Rodent Operative was appointed to assist in carrying
out the work, which was still proceeding at the end of the year under
review. The Scheme involved routine inspection and treatment as
necessary of all houses in the area on a block control system with sewer
treatment as a necessary requirement of the Scheme. Pre-baiting and
poisoning in accordance with Ministry of Food recommendations were
the methods used in treating infested premises in all cases. The following
is a summary of the work carried out during the year:—
Number of complaints received 191
Number of infested premises treated 291
Estimated total kill 982
Private Dwellings Special Scheme.
During the period in which this scheme operated 3,589 houses were
inspected and 68 houses were found to be infested and treated. Work on
the public sewers involved the pre-baiting of 157 manholes, poisoning
found to be necessary only at 4 points.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
During the year a Nuisance Order made by the Justices in respect
of a statutory nuisance under the provisions of the Public Health Act,
1936, was the subject of an appeal by the owner of the property
concerned.
The Appeals Committee of Quarter Sessions allowed the appeal but
made no order as to costs.
Proceedings were taken under the Foods and Drugs Act, 1938,
against a milk retailer in respect of a sample of milk reported as deficient
in milk fat to the extent of 7 per cent. The vendor was fined £1 and
£1 Is. Od. costs.
SCHOOLS.
School Closure.—While the procedure with regard to the closure
of schools on account of the prevalence of infectious disease amongst the
scholars has remained unaltered, in effect no public elementary school
was closed during 1946.
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