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7
Rodent Infestation.
The administration of the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act,
1919, having been transferred from the Minister of Agriculture to the
Minister of Pood, the latter made an Order known as the Infestation
Order, 1943, dated May 6th, 1943, which deals amongst other things
with the destruction of rats and mice.
Article 5 of the Order requires every Local Authority under the
Act, to whom Directions have been issued by the Minister, to make a
report on the extent to which the land in the District is infested, and
to take the necessary action to remedy such infestation.
On Llth June, 1943, Directions were issued to the Council by
the Minister to submit a report on the extent to which land in the
area of (he Council was infested by rats and mice.
A survey of the District which was carried out revealed no major
infestation, but in some parts infestations of a minor character were
found.
On 9th November, 1943, the Ministry gave Directions to the
Council to take the necessary action to destroy rats and mice where
found.
By advertisement in the press, the general public were asked to
report the presence of any rats in their vicinity. Each of these
reports, when received, was investigated by a Sanitary Inspector,
and appropriate advice given to the occupier on the best means of
dealing with the pests.
The Sanitary Inspectors have devoted a good deal of time to this
work with satisfactory results.
SECTION C.
Sanitary Officers Regulations.
The Sanitary Inspectors are mainly engaged in carrying on their
normal duties as far as possible, and in addition undertake work of a
similar character for which they are specially qualified by reason of
their training. This work includes visiting public air-raid shelters:
private shelters when necessary: civil defence shelters: inspecting
damaged foodstuffs, etc.
One Sanitary Inspector also regularly carries out inspections of
the carcases of animals slaughtered for food at the Regional
Slaughterhouse in Romford.