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was carried out in 56 such cases, on payment, in connection with infestations of
cockroaches and black beetles (12), crickets (10), flies (1), carpet beetles (I), woodworm
(7), moths (23), weevils (1) and mites (1). Routine spraying of areas where
mosquitoes are likely to breed was also carried out during the year.
Housing. The total number of dwelling houses in the Borough is 37,366.
The number inspected for housing defects under the Public Health or Housing
Acts was 6,214. The number found not to be in all respects reasonably fit for
habitation was 3,306. The number rendered fit in consequence of informal action
by the sanitary inspectors, including the service of intimation notices, was 2,279.
Statutory notices were served for the first time in respect of 799 houses.
The number of dwelhng houses which were inspected and recorded under the
Housing (Consolidated) Regulations, 1925, was 103. Demolition Orders were
made under Section 11 of the Housing Act, 1936, in respect of 8 houses, and 2 houses
were the subject of Closing Orders. During the year, 608 cases of overcrowding
under the Housing Act, 1936, were investigated.
The problems in relation to housing dealt with by the Department continued
to be aggravated by the acute housing shortage, notwithstanding the measures
taken by the Council for its relief.
During the year, considerable progress was made in the provision of new houses
by the Council. Some 465 permanent and temporary houses were completed,
bringing the total number of dwellings erected since the war to 1,746. At the end
of December, 286 further dwellings were under construction.
In addition, 285 houses were built by private enterprise compared with 95
during 1947.
Squatters. Many of the squatters who, in previous years occupied two army
camps, left for various reasons, and at the end of the year 29 families were still in
occupation. Although all reasonable adaptations and additions had been carried
out, the accommodation could never have been made wholly satisfactory, and as
each hut became vacant it was rendered uninhabitable.
Rodent Control. The work of rat destruction was continued throughout
the year. The staff engaged on this work consisted of two investigators and four
operatives, working under the supervision of a Sanitary Inspector who devoted the
whole of his time to this service.
The treatment of private dwellings is generally free. This fact has made the
public much more ready to report infestations. Before the scheme commenced,
the average number of complaints received during a month was 40. This figure
has now increased to approximately 100 per month.
In addition to the systematic surface treatment, treatment of the sewers is
carried out, there being two maintenance treatments and one test baiting each year.
Results of the treatments continue to be satisfactory and indicate their worth in
keeping the rat population of the Borough at a low level.
The total number of premises surveyed during the year was 15,193, and the
number of inspections 31,777. Effective preventative measures were taken in
2,129 instances.