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Close co-operation exists between the School Health and
Public Health Services in relation to the above and the prevention
of the spread of disease.
DISINFESTATION.
Three cases of bed bug infestation were dealt with during the
year and action was taken in respect of 75 cases of infestation with
pests such as flies and wasps.
In the majority of cases disinfestation was carried out by
spraying with a proprietary insecticide.
PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT, 1949.
During the year 123 visits were paid to the Council's depots
and tip, to Millstock, and land at Littleheath Woods, Selsdon.
With regard to rats and mice, 609 properties were inspected,
including 418 dwelling houses and 88 business premises. Of these,
263 were infested by rats and 60 by mice, and a total of 233 treatments
for rats and 58 for mice were carried out by the Inspectors'
Assistants, by arrangement with the occupier and no notices were
served under the Act. Eleven occupiers subsequently rat-proofed
their premises.
The Council make a flat rate charge of 5/- in respect of the
disinfestation of private dwellings and 10/8 per hour plus cost of
materials in all other cases.
In accordance with the requirements of the Minister of
Agriculture and Fisheries, a routine test baiting of the sewers was
carried out, but only minor infestations were detected. This
sewer treatment necessitated 1,148 visits but the total number of
rats and mice destruction visits was 5,413.
The Council continues to undertake the routine disinfestation
of local schools and school canteens owned by the County Council,
as and when necessary, on a contract basis.
THE PROTECTION OF FOOD.
WATER.
The water supply of the District is provided by the Sutton
District Water Company and the East Surrey Water Company,
with a private supply supplementing, as necessary, at Cane Hill
Hospital.
There are no private wells in use in the District; all houses are
provided with a mains supply laid into the house, and there are
no standpipes for common use.
As contaminated water can cause disease, all the water is now
chlorinated to destroy any harmful organisms and the public
supply softened to about a half its original hardness, mainly for
economic reasons.
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