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The Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.—Each district inspector is
the rats officer for his area and investigates all complaints received. The total
number of inspections made was 349. In 23 instances defective drains were repaired,
8 premises were rat-proofed, and other effective measures taken in 22 instances.
National Rat Week was held from the 2nd to the 7th November, and during it
co-operation was obtained from the Borough Engineer and many large firms in
the Borough. The number of baits laid in old sewers in Woolwich and Plumstead,
which were regarded as infested, was 8,187.
Offensive Trades.—There is only one offensive trade in the Borough, namely,
a slaughterer of poultry. The premises were approved by the London County
Council in November, 1931.
Rag Flock Act.—Four samples of rag flock were taken for analysis. Such
material has to comply with the Rag Flock Regulations, in which it is laid down
that the soluble chlorine in the form of chlorides must not exceed 30 parts of
chlorine in 100,000 parts of flock. In three instances the samples complied with
the regulations as the parts of chlorine were, respectively, 8'9, 71, 71, but in the
other instance 142 parts of chlorine were found. It appeared that this sample
was purchased from a firm in the provinces under a warranty. After considering
the matter, the Public Health Committee decided not to prosecute but to send a
cautionary letter informing the seller that in the event of any future breach of
these regulations, proceedings would be commenced, and to ask the provincial
authority to deal with the matter at the source.
Mortuaries.—The Public Mortuary is in Sun Street, Woolwich, and a temporary
mortuary is provided in Eltham High Street. The following Table shows
the use made of the mortuaries during the year.