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complaints or during a survey of the district for
unreported or unsuspected infestations 242 were
found to be infested to some extent. All the
infestations were dealt with, in the case of
private dwellings without cost to the occupiers,
except so far as structural or drainage works were
found to be necessary to make good damage caused
by rats, or to prevent re-infestation. Charges,
based on labour and material used, were made in
respect Of treatments carried out at business
premises.
Two treatments of the district sewers
were undertaken during the year. This work
involved the laying of baits in the sewer manholes,
followed by poisoning. The number of manholes
found to be used by rats on these occasions was 36
and 38 respectively. This is a slight increase
compared with last year but considerably fewer than
when we first started these treatments in 1947.
Thirty-eight premises were cleared of mice.
CLEAN AIR.
Parts of the Clean Air Act 1956 came into
operation at the commencement of the year, including
provisions enabling local authorities to establish
smoke control areas in their districts.
A Report was presented to the Council on
the administration of the Act, particularly in
relation to local circumstances, and it was decided
that the establishment of a smoke control area in
Friern Barnet should be investigated.
A start was made on the preliminary
survey and gathering of facts and information to
enable an outline plan to be put before the Council.
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