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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 sites to be fenced in
by the owners.
Legal proceedings were taken against the owners of three properties
for failing to comply with notices served under Section 4 of the
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, requiring the removal of rat harbourage
and the prevention of deposition of further harbourage by the
erection of a closed fence or wall around the sites. The summonses
were proved, fines totalling £12 with costs of £1 being imposed,
A copy of the return furnished to the Ministry is on pages 62 & 63.
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 1950, is 3,134. Certificates were granted during
the year under Section 38(6) of the Act in respect of two premises
exempting them from compliance with sanitary accommodation provisions.
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 the public water mains.
The number of instances where the water supply to premises was
repaired or reinstated, following action taken by the Department,
totalled 140, and the Metropolitan Water Board was notified on 40
occasions where wastage of water was taking place.
During the year, 24 notices were received from the Metropolitan
Water Board of withdrawal of water supply: in six premises for nonpayment
of rates and in 18 because of defects in the service.
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