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(v) Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949.
During the year the Public Health Inspectors and Rodent Operative
carried out 2,478 inspections, or re-inspections, to premises suspected
of being infested by rats or mice.
Further maintenance treatment, in respect of rat disinfestation to
sewers, was undertaken during the year.
In addition to rats and mice, a number of complaints were received
concerning grey squirrels, pigeons and moles, advice was given in all
instances, and where special treatment was necessary the matters were
referred to the County Pest Officer.
Towards the latter end of the year a number of complaints were
received from the Havering area concerning damage caused by badgers
and foxes. The assistance of the County Pest Officer was obtained, and,
in conjunction with the police, an organised shoot was arranged, but
unfortunately no foxes were seen.
(vi) Disinfestation.
Advice is given on all cases of infestation. Where the infestation
is slight the Council has agreed to the work of disinfestation being
carried out by the Rodent Operative, under the supervision of a Public
Health Inspector, the charge made being based on labour and material.
When the infestation is found to be severe, the persons concerned are
advised to employ the services of specialist firms.
During the year assistance has been given to householders in ridding
premises of wasps, carpet beetles and other troublesome insects.
(vii) Pet Animals Act, 1951.
Fiiteen persons are licensed to keep Pet Shops. Frequent inspections
are carried out.
3.—INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OF FOOD
(i) Milk Supply.
At the end of the year 47 firms were registered as Retailers, or
Distributors. Of these, 18 were licensed to retail Tuberculin Tested
Milk, 25 were licensed to retail Pasteurised Milk, and 41 were licensed
to retail Sterilised Milk.
Or e Pasteurising plant has been kept under surveillance by the
department.
During the year, 116 samples of milk were taken, and all passed
'he prescribed tests.