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Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.
Ministry of Food—Infestation Order 1943 S. R. & O. 680.
Special Scheme.
The house-to-house survey of the Borough under the terms of
the Ministry of Food's Circular N.S. 12 commenced in October,
1946, but the staff necessary could not be obtained until the end
of November. Four operators and four investigators are employed
in this work, which it is hoped will be completed by the end of
June, 1947.
Premises visited 6,382
Premises reported infested 196
Premises treated :—
(a) Dwelling-houses 149
(b) Business premises 32
181
Casual Complaints (not included in Special Scheme).
Complaints received and investigated 382
Premises not treated (not genuine infestation) 29
Premises treated :—
(а) Dwelling-houses 297
(б) Food premises 24
(c) Other business premises 32
353
Premises freed 321
Sewer Maintenance Treatments.
All sewers in the Borough were treated in May, 1946 (followed
by a further treatment in February, 1947).
General.
Treatments have been carried out with success on the Corporation's
properties and schools. The refuse destructor works and
adjoining land and buildings on the west side of the Borough, to
the allotments at Lammas Road, were badly infested and inspection
after treatment has shown that practically complete disinfestation
has been accomplished.
The control of rats demands continued investigation and treatment
of reservoirs of infestation such as the sewers, tips and river
banks, etc. The chief source of surface infestation is the sewers
and defective connected drains. The relaying of defective drainage
systems was greatly reduced during the war years, but this essential
work is now proceeding as fast as the shortage of materials and
labour permits.