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(21)
SHOPS ACT. 1934.
Routine inspection of shops which was in abeyance during the war, was started
last year and, as proposed has been extended, with 179 visits being made during
this year. Informal action only was necessary to remedy the minor defects or
deficiencies.
RODENT CONTROL.
On March 31st, 1949, the Council accepted the delegated powers of the Hertfordshire
County Council under the Rats and Mice Destruction Act, 1919, and for a
trial period, a partnership scheme was arranged with the East Barnet Urban District
Council whereby one Rodent Operator was employed between the two authorities. In
September the operator left the service, and the opportunity was taken by both
authorities to review the situation. It was agreed, in view of the impending
legislation which would come into force in March 1950, to dissolve the partnership
scheme, and that each authority would make its own arrangements.
A rodent operator is now employed for treatment of infestations solely in this
district.
A test bait was made of 10% of the soil sewer manholes in the district to
ascertain the degree of rat infestation. During the year under review, one maintenance
treatment of the sewers was carried out, in which it was necessary to
poison 83 manholes showing evidence of rats.
No charge is made for the use of the operator's servicæ in treating private
domestic premises, provided that the occupiers co-operate in carrying out their
duties under the Act. The cost of treatments at all other premises is recovered.
PETROLEUM (REGULATION) ACTS. 1928 AND 1936.
There are thirty-eight persons licensed to store petroleum and petroleum
mixtures upon the Register. The Licences are for varying quantities from 10
gallons to 6,000 gallons. The total quantity of petroleum spirit and mixtures
which may be kept in the various stores is 28,473 gallons. Forty-nine inspections
were made, but there was no serious breach of the Regulations to report.
One Licence was issued for the storage of 112 lbs. of Carbide of Calcium.