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12. ERADICATION OF BED BUGS.
During the year 26 premises were disinfested, compared
with 34 for the previous year. Nine Corporation controlled houses
were dealt with by the Department during the year. The continued
diminution of the number of premises found to he infested by the
bed bug is a pleasing feature of the post-war period,
13, COMPLAINTS.
The number of complaints received during the year under
review was 636 - slightly fewer than in 1950, when 671 various
complaints were recorded at the office. There was again a
slight increase in the number of complaints regarding rats and
mice. It is likely that this increase reflects the increasing
co-operation between the public and the Department, The knowledge
that rat and mouse infestations in connection with
domestic premises are treated free of cost is becoming more
widespread.
Alleged overcrowding was the subject of complaint in nine
instances compared with six during 1950. It is often found,
however, that these complaints are ill—founded and are made in
order to gain support for a request for Corporation owned
accommodation. An inspection follows the receipt of every
complaint and, in fact, in only three of the nine cases was
there actual overcrowding. The standard for overcrowding is
laid down by the Housing Acts, The "Permitted Number" i6
calculated on the number, and size, of the rooms in the house.
Regard must be had to all living rooms as well as bedrooms
a fact not always appreciated by the public.
It may happen that children share a bedroom with their
parents and this fact is often the basis of a complaint of
alleged overcrowding. Full use must be made of all rooms
whether or not they were originally intended for use as bedrooms.
This standard of overcrowding is not easily defended' but it
must remain the only legal standard until such time as the
Housing Act is amended.
These comments have been made because one often hears
exaggerated statements regarding the extent of overcrowding in
the Borough, In point of fact there is very little actual
overcrowding, but there may be some discomfort and inconvenience
by reason of the enforced use of rooms as both living and
sleeping accommodation.