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Rodent Control.
In accordance with the request of the Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food, statistics on rodent control work carried out by the
Department were submitted to the Ministry covering the period 1st April 1956
to 31st March 1957. During this period, 12,734 dwellings and business
premises were inspected, and 2,381 were found to be infested either with
mice or rats. Treatments were carried out by the Department's rodent
control staff to 2,073 properties which were found to be infested, the
charges for servicing business premises amounting to £781.
By the implementation of Section 4 of the Prevention of Damage by
Pests Act, 1949, it has been found possible to clear bombed sites of
refuse which would otherwise act as possible harbourage for rats and
other vermin.
Moreover, under the same section, which permits specified works to
be carried out, it has been possible to require the sites to be fenced in
by the owners.
A copy of the return furnished to the Ministry is on page 63.
Shops.
The number of premises in the Borough covered by the provisions of
the Shops Act is 2,785. No applications were received during the year
for exemption from complying with the sanitary accommodation requirements.
Water Certificates.
Water certificates as to new dwellings having a proper and sufficient
supply of water were issued in respect of 304 flats and 25 houses, under
the provisions of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936.
Water Supply.
The whole of the Borough is supplied with water by the Metropolitan
Water Board, which is the authority responsible for its purity. Quantity
and quality of water supplied by the Board during the year have been
satisfactory.
All the premises in the Borough are supplied individually direct from
public water mains.
The number of instances where water supply to premises in the Borough
was repaired or reinstated totalled 309, and the Metropolitan Water Board
was notified on 13 occasions where wastage of water was taking place.
During the year 7 notices were received from the Metropolitan Water
Board of withdrawal of the water supply, in three premises for non-payment
of rates and in four because of defects in the service.
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