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Moreover, under the same' section, which permits specified works to
be carried out, it has been possible to require sites to be fenced in by
the owners. Default action was taken by the Council regarding two such
sites (comprising 22 premises), and the cost of removing the refuse and
fencing the sites was charged to the owners.
Legal proceedings were instituted against the occupier of a business
premises for wilfully obstructing a Public Health Inspector in his attempt
to gain access to a cellar to investigate rat infestation. A fine of £3
and £3.3s.0d costs were imposed.
A copy of the Return furnished to the Ministry is on page 59.
The Council carries out, on behalf of the Stepney Group Hospital
Management Committee, any necessary treatments for rodent infestation at
hospitals and other premises in the Borough which come under the control
of that Committee.
Shops.
The number of premises in the Borough covered by the provisions of
the Shops Act, is 3,038. One application was received, during the year,
for exemption from compliance with sanitary accommodation requirements.
A certificate of exemption was granted in respect of the premises
concerned.
Water Certificates.
Water certificates as to new dwellings having a proper and sufficient
supply of water were issued in respect of 420 flats and 36 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. The
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 the water supply to premises in the
Borough was repaired or reinstated following action taken by the
Department totalled 88, and the Metropolitan Water Board was notified
on 48 occasions where wastage of water was taking place.
During the year, 20 notices were received from the Metropolitan
Water Board of withdrawal of water supply: in 12 premises for nonpayment
of rates and in 8 because of defects in the service.
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