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32.
RODENT INFESTATION.
The work of this important branch of Public Health is carried out by a
staff of one supervisor, one investigator and three operatives under the general
control of the Chief Sanitary Inspector. A regular system of investigation is
carried out and during "the year 856 inspections of investigation were made.
Business premises treated totalled 271 against 403 in 1950 and dwelling houses
690 against 592 in 1950.
The number of complaints and business premises treated were much fewer
than last year and it is very noticeable that the incidence of rat infestation
is much less than it has been for several years. There was an increase in mice
infestation mainly in dwelling houses. No charge is made for work done at
occupied dwellings but a charge according to the degree of infestation is made at
premises otner than dwelling houses.
In one case during the year it was found that a private servicing company
were using a culture bait. This bait, when examined by the bacteriologist, was
reported on as being of the salmonella type and it was stated that it was
dangerous to animal and man. This matter was reported to the Public Health
Committee and representation was made to the Metropolitan Boroughs Standing
Joint Committee with a view to Regulations being made by the Ministry of
Agriculture and Fisheries to prohibit the use of this type of baiting.
During the year 12 Notices were served under the Prevention of Damage by
Pests Act, 1949, and in ail cases were complied with.
Two maintenance treatments of the sewers in the Borough were carried out
during the period under review, the first in June, 1951 and the second commencing in December, 1951.

The Agreements (H.D.R3 BP) received and charged to Business Premises during
the year amounted to £763-15s.