View report page

15
but permission has been requested to re-commence the
business of cow-keeping at this farm. Certain improvements
were desired and the occupier willingly carried
these out. Samples of milk taken at intervals have proved
that the milk is of good quality and production methods
are satisfactory.
RODENT
CONTROL.
Recently the Ministry of Food has
given much attention to the eradication
of rats and mice, and all local
authorities have been urged to deal with these pests. A
course was arranged in London for the instruction of
Sanitary Inspectors. All the Inspectors including the
Senior attended, the main feature of which was to demonstrate
the application of a scientific method adopted on
the suggestion of experts attached to the Ministry of Food
The essential features for extermination of these
vermin are setting of traps for mice at strategic points
and in given concentrations and the "pre-baiting" and
subsequent poisoning of rats. There is only one major
infestation in this Borough, which is now being dealt
with.
HOUSING.
In common with most other districts,
the housing shortage is shared by
Dagenham. The main contributing causes to this shortage
are the return of families from evacuation and the
influx of people from more severely bombed areas.
There are many cases of gross overcrowding, the
most urgent feature of this being the presence of
more than one family in a house. Another difficulty is
created by the marriage of serving men who, unable to
obtain accommodation, are compelled to reside with