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The number of intimation notices served was 1,504, and the number of
statutory notices, 423. In 09 instances, where the owners did not comply with
the statutory notices, the Town Clerk was asked to institute proceedings, but it
was necessary to issue only eight summonses as in all other cases the necessary
steps were taken on receipt of a letter from the Town Clerk.
Eradication of Bed Bugs. 1,592 inspections of verminous premises were
carried out and appropriate action was taken in accordance with the methods
adopted in Woolwich, which have been reported on very fully in previous reports.
Hydrogen Cyanide was used in the disinfestation of 4 buildings, and 14 loads
of furniture.
Rodent Control. In the course of routine and special inspections the
Sanitary Inspectors discovered 388 rat infestations, 04 of which were in food
premises. The number of inspections totalled 12,004, 890 being of food premises.
In 130 instances it was necessary to secure the repair of drains. 114 premises were
rat-proofed and other effective measures taken in the remainder.
Following a Direction issued by the Minister of Food under the Infestation
Order, 1943, a survey of the Borough was carried out and a report submitted to the
Ministry on the extent of infestation in the area. A further Direction issued in
October required the Council to take all necessary steps to remedy all infestation
of rats and mice in any sewer, drain or culvert in or under any land in the Borough.
Arrangements were made with the Borough Engineer for the carrying out of this
work under the supervision of the Sanitary Inspectors, and treatment of the sewers
commenced on the 6th December. As was expected, the more recently constructed
Sewers, such as those on the Council's housing estates, were found in general to be
free from infestation.
A third Direction required the Council to proceed with all necessary action
to remedy all infestation by rats and mice on land within the Borough. The
necessary arrangements were being made at the end of the year.
Housing. The total number of dwelling houses inspected for housing defects
under the Public Health or Housing Acts was 4,478, and the number found not to
be in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation was 1,755. The number
rendered fit in consequence of informal action by the sanitary inspectors (including
the service of intimation notices) was 1,399. Statutory notices were served in
respect of 350 houses.
INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OF FOOD.
Milk. The number of milk premises on the register on the 31st December
was 60, and 261 visits were made.
The milk supply in Woolwich is in the main in the hands of three large distributors
and, having regard to war-time difficulties, the standard was satisfactory.