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forming rat harbourage. The summons was proved, the owner being fined
£5 and ordered to pay £3.13.0 costs. In consequence of the failure of
the owner of another site to comply with a similar notice, the Council
exercised its powers to carry out the work in default, the cost of £150
being charged to the owner.
Following discussions between the Technical Officer of the Infestation
Branch of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and
officers of the Borough Engineer's and Public Health Departments, a
reappraisal of sewer rodent control work in the Borough took place. In
consequence thereof, and of subsequent recommendations submitted by the
Ministry, the work of sewer disinfestation and its administration was
varied from 1st April this year, so that instead of disinfestation
treatments in sewers being carried out by the Borough Engineer's staff
twice annually, using bait prepared by the Public Health Department's
staff, a continuous treatment throughout the year is now given by a team
of three men (two sewermen and one rodent operative), acting under the
supervision of this department's Rodent Investigator.
Two treatments were completed between 1st April and 11th November of
all the sewer manholes and side entries, numbering 1,603, in the Borough.
The efficacy of the treatment is evidenced in that on the first treatment
the poison-bait was taken completely in 712 instances compared with 180
on the second treatment, and the number of major surface infestations of
common rats was 12 this year compared with 6 last year.
A copy of the Return furnished to the Ministry is on pages 64 and 65.
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.
Shoos Act. 1950
The number of premises in the Borough covered by the provisions of
the Shops Act 1950, is 3,211.
Under certain sections of this Act the Council is empowered to ensure
that in shops where people are employed suitable sanitary conveniences,
means of temperature, ventilation and lighting are provided and maintained,
as well as facilities for washing and for taking meals. Where sanitary
or washing facilities cannot be provided on the premises but are otherwise
conveniently available, the Council may grant certificates of exemption
from these provisions.
A temporary certificate of exemption, granted in 1962 in respect of
a shop premises, was extended for a further period of six months pending
completion of rebuilding.
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