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(c) Rat Extermination
During the year 3,162 visits were made to properties in the borough
and 4,227 rats were destroyed
During the year a rat infestation survey was carried out, which
survey indicated one reservoir infestation, three major infestations and
seventy-four minor infestations. Coincident with the survey a publicity
campaign sponsored by the Ministry of Food resulted in the submission
to this department of 191 complaints of rats and mice infestations
during the last three months of the year. In connection with the treatment
of the sewers in the North Woolwich area, the first treatment
indicated the estimated kill was 285 rodents and the second treatment
an estimated kill of 140 rodents. These figures do not indicate that
any serious infestation exists, and in fact many of the existing infestations
are deemed mainly due to defective drainage caused by enemy
action. This drainage is tho subject of constant investigation by the
department, and essential repairs are executed so soon as defects are
revealed.
(d) Legal Proceedings.
The following statement indicates the legal proceedings undertaken
during the year:-
Public Health Act 1956.
Abatement of Nuisances-
Cases withdrawn (Nuisance abated) 4
Food Control.
Contravention of Rationing Orders
Penalties inflicted 6
Dismissed on payment of costs 3
Housing.
(a) Overcrowding.
During the year an analysis of the household census maintained by
the Civil Defence Wardens' Service was made with a view to obtaining a
picture of overcrowding in the borough. This investigation however did
not reveal any serious overcrowding. During this statistical investigation
consideration was given to possible cases of overcrowding which
would occur upon the return of members in H.M.Forces, but this only
revealed that 216 cases of overcrowding would result.
Whilst it is difficult to assess at this stage of the war the
post-war overcrowding position it is believed that with the return of
evacuees there will be a serious deterioration in the position and much
overcrowding will become manifest.
During the year consideration was given to the first year housing
p rogramme and an initial programme of 152 houses was prepared but this
was extended early in the succeeding year. The most acute problem of
housing in East Ham is the matter of land shortage, and unless and unti.
cleared war damaged sites can be acquired for this purpose, the preparation
of any programme will remain one of difficulty.
In presenting a Special Report on Housing to the Planning and
Redevelopment Committee an effort was made to resolve the problem into
an immediate policy and a long term policy, the latter involving
planning needs, whilst the former would have regard to the immediate
needs of the community.
The housing statistics, exclusive of those relating to overcrowding
are included in the foilowing statement:-
(b) Pious ing Statistics.
I. Inspection of dwellinghouses during the year
(1) (a) Total number of dwellinghouses inspected for defects
(under Public Health or Housing Acts.) 4,124
(b) Number of inspections made for the purpose 9,749
(2) (a) Number of dwellinghouses (included under Sub-head
(1) above) which were inspected and recorded under
the Housing Consolidated Regulations, 1925 -
(b) Number of Inspections made for the purpose -
39