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general closing order operative throughout the district. Efforts were
made to prepare a scheme which might meet with sufficient general
acceptance to obtain the necessary majority votes of the traders to put it
into operation, but nothing came of the endeavour. A Shops Acts
Inspector was appointed to be responsible for the conditions of the general
arrangements for undertaking the duties imposed under the various Acts.
He is assisted by the sanitary inspectors, not only in regard to the supervision
of the hygienic condition of the premises, but also in patrolling
the district for the detection of infringements of the closing orders.
During the war years it has, of course, not been necessary to take action
in regard to such infringements, so the time of the inspectors in regard
to shops inspection has been concentrated mostly on the hygienic condition
of the premises, coupled with the investigation of complaints as to
the hours worked by young persons, giving advice as to notices, and the
general welfare of the shop assistants. Eight visits were paid.
Rat Infestation.
Although the provisions of the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act,
enabled the County Council to transfer to the district council their powers
and duties under this Act, the County Council had declined to accede
to the Council's request when application was made. However, in
November, 1943, as a result of representations by the Ministry of Food,
the County Council approached local authorities with a view to their
assuming these powers and this, amongst other districts, agreed to the
transfer as from the 1st April, 1944. The work is brought into line with
the routine duties of the inspectors. On receipt of a complaint of rat
infestation, the inspector visits and refers the case to the rodent operative,
if any work of extermination is to be carried out. Starting with two
operatives, a third was later appointed. Apart from dealing with day-today
complaints, work has been done on the larger areas of infestation,
including the infested refuse tips at Wealdstone and Cannon Lane. While
at one time it appeared that control was being obtained, in that fewer
complaints were being received, it seems that without additional staff it
will not be possible to attempt to tackle the other areas of infestation,
such as brooks and sewers.
During the year 631 complaints were received and 501 re-visits made.
A small charge is made for any work done, though the sum is increased
for the more extensive treatment necessary at some industrial
premises. Although the charge does not act as a deterrent to the
occupant requesting the work of eradication to be put in hand, it is very
questionable whether it is worth the labour involved to collect such small
sums, apart from the fact that so very often it is not really the fault of
those on whose grounds rats are nesting that they have arrived there at all.
Verminous Premises.
Ninety-seven premises were inspected following complaints of vermin.
The number infested with the bed bug was 49; to these premises, 154
visits were made.