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Outworkers.
Outworkers within the Borough are visited periodically by the sanitary inspectors.
The number of outworkers and the nature of the work carried on, in the list
prepared in August, 1950, was as follows:—
Wearing apparel 114
Household linen, etc. 46
Lace and lace curtaining, etc. 1
Curtains and furniture hangings, etc. 1
Umbrellas, etc. 1
Artificial Flowers 4
Feather sorting 2
Packing of buttons, etc. 2
Making stuffed toys, etc. 1
Cosaques, Christmas crackers and similar 1
Lampshades 9
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 110 per month.
All complaints are investigated and the area of infestation defined before
treatment is commenced. In addition, a block control scheme is systematically
worked throughout the Borough.
Where the infestation appears to originate from the drainage system the drains
are tested and any defects remedied.
The sewers are treated twice a year in addition to an annual test bait, and the
Council's refuse destructor tips are treated monthly.
At the maintenance treatment carried out in June, 696 manholes were treated
and "takes" were recorded in 382 manholes or 55 per cent. of the number baited.
A total of 697 manholes was treated at the December maintenance treatment, and
" takes " were recorded in 426 manholes or 61 per cent. of the number treated.
The total number of premises surveyed during the year was 12,286 and the
number of inspections amounted to 32,253. Effective preventive measures were
taken in 1,702 instances.
Whilst over 5,000 more inspections were carried out during 1950 compared with
1949, the number of infested premises found was approximately 500 less than those
found in 1949. This clearly shows the value of the work being carried out by the
Council.
Guidance to local authorities on methods of treatment continues to be made
available by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949, which came into force on the
31st March, 1950, re-enacts, with modifications, the Rats and Mice (Destruction)
Act which is repealed, and makes permanent provision for preventing loss of food
by infestation. The Borough Council is an authority under the Act.
The new Act emphasises the primary obligation as being upon the local authority
to ensure that so far as practicable, its area is kept free from rats and mice. Previously,
the primary duty had been laid upon the individual occupier coupled with
a right to the local authority to enforce the requirements upon him.
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