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Outworkers. Although a substantial number of visits was
made to premises in which outwork is carried on, no infringement
of Section 111 of the Factories Act, 1937, was found
relating to outwork in unwholesome premises.
7—SMOKE ABATEMENT (by Mr. R. M. Turner). The majority
of the factory chimneys in the Borough are provided in connection
with boiler plants which do not normally give rise to nuisance
to the same extent as those connected with the pottery and steel
industries. Where smoke nuisances have been detected visits are
always made to the plant and the Works Manager and the boiler
attendant have been interviewed. Experience shows that more
beneficial results are obtained by this line of action than by the
mere serving of Notices. The difficulties experienced during the
year have been largely due to the quality of the coal supplied
and to the problem of replacement of worn plant and parts.
The Generating Power Station in the adjoining Borough of
Willesden which has been the subject of a number of complaints
regarding the emission of smoke and grit has received particular
consideration, both from this and from the Willesden Borough
Council. A joint deputation of the two Local Authorities waited
upon the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Health and
as a result the attention of various Government Departments was
brought to bear upon the subject. The existing pulverised fuel
plant is being replaced with oil fired furnaces and grit extraction
plant is to be installed in connection with the chain grate stokers
for the purpose of eliminating this emission. It is hoped that
when the whole of the works are completed a source of complaint
for a number of years will (be eliminated.
8. RATS AND MICE (DESTRUCTION) ACT, 1919 (by
Mr. R. M. Turner). Rodent control has continued to be carried
out during the year with effective results. As from the 1st
April the Council decided to provide a free service to householders
in respect of private dwellinghouses. This free service has proved
to be more efficient in operation than the previous scheme
whereby householders were required to pay for the service performed
in the eradication of rats and mice. Delays frequently
occurred while householders were making up their minds whether
to ask the Council to carry out the necessary work and in some
instances the householders elected themselves to carry out the
work, sometimes unsuccessfully. The Council decided to avail
themselves of the financial assistance of the Ministry of Food as
set out in Ministry of Food Circular N.S. No. 12 whereby the
Ministry undertake to defray 60% of the cost of treatment of
private houses provided the Local Authority are willing to meet
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