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11
DIPHTHERIA IMMUNISATION
Through the services of the Council 1,518 individuals were
immunised during 1945.
RATS AND MICE DESTRUCTION
Responsibility for the prevention of infestation by rats and
mice under The Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919, rests on
the occupier of the premises.
The Council employ a trained rat-catcher whose services are
available to occupiers on payment of the appropriate charges.
This service has been used to the full and has proved very effective
in reducing the rat population. Factories and industrial concerns
have arrangements with the Council for regular visits to their
premises.
The Ministry of Food (Infestation Division) initiated a scheme
for systematic treatment against rats in sewers throughout the
country. The Council have been anxious to carry out such treatment
in Enfield but labour shortage has made it impossible during
the year under review. It is hoped that a comprehensive scheme
will be in operation by the time this report is published.
During the year the Sanitary Inspectors made 1,046 visits
concerning rat infestation.
ERADICATION OF BED BUGS
Number of Council houses found to be infested 13
Number of Council houses disinfested 13
Number of other houses found to be infested 78
Number of other houses disinfested 78
Many of the infestations included in these figures were reported
by tenants or discovered by the Sanitary Inspectors before they
became difficult to remedy.
When the vermin are allowed to " settle in." the work of
disinfestation is disproportionately more difficult, and entails much
more disturbance of the household.
Householders are urged to seek the assistance of the Health
Department immediately they suspect the presence of bugs or
similar pests.
SANITARY INSPECTOR'S REPORT
The following report, in condensed form, gives details of the
work of the Sanitary Inspectors during the year 1945.
The total number of inspections made during the year for all
purposes was 14,550.