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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. Action in default was taken by the Council regarding one
site (comprising U premises); the cost of removing the refuse and
fencing the site was charged to the owners.
Proceedings were taken before a Stipendiary Magistrates Court
against the owner of another site for failing to comply with a notice
served under Section A of the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act requiring
the removal from the site of rat harbourage and the prevention of deposition
of further harbourage by the erection of a closed fence or wall
around the site. The summons was dismissed, on the grounds that there
was no evidence of rats or mice being on the site. The Council prosecuted
an appeal against the Magistrate's decision to the Divisional Court,
the appeal being allowed.
A copy of the Return furnished to the Ministry is on page 55.
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 3,092. No applications were received during the year
for exemption from compliance with sanitary accommodation requirements.
Water Certificates
Water certificates as to new dwellings having a proper and sufficient
supply of water were issued in respect of 496 dwellings, 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 31 occasions where wastage of water was taking place.
During the year, 30 notices were received from the Metropolitan
Water Board of withdrawal of water supply: in 13 premises for nonpayment
of rates and in 17 because of defects in the service.
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