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29
Rodent Control - Statistical Statement (Contd.)
Business Premises.
No. of complaints received in office 12
" " premises inspected, including
those under service agreement 129
" " premises in which slight
infestations were found 67 48 115
" " Visitors for treatment and
reinspections 1330 2060 3390
SUMMARY
No. of complaints received 180
" " premises inspected, approx. 1580
" " premises infested 430
" " visits for treatment and reinspections 5333
Insect Pest Control.
The main portion of this work is in connection with food
premises, which afford many opportunities for insects to harbour
in corners and crevices of counters, shelves, etc. Less often
infestations occur at private houses.
The Department is always willing to assist occupiers with
advice on the identity of strange insects which may be found
on their premises and also on the best methods for the extermination
of the pest So When an insect cannot be identified by the
local department the aid of the Entomologist at the Natural
History Museum is sought. He has never failed to supply the
required information together with the best means of control,
and all in the course of a post or two.
The staff for insect pest control is the same as that for
rodent control work. This system is economical in practice
and it enables the best possible service to be made available
for the public.
HOUSING
Section D
The housing position remained much the same during 1951.
The Corporation continued the building of new flats, the
majority of which were erected outside the Borough, but there
did not appear to be any noticeable diminution in the number of
families seeking separate accommodation. Touching the matter
of house repairs, the cost remained very high. In the case of
houses subject to the early Rent Controls, the costs were such
as to prohibit any substantial repairs being carried out.
One can add nothing to what was written in previous Reports
on this problem of repair of old houses. It is encouraging to
note the increased interest in the matter which has been evinced
in the national and technical press. It is to be hoped that some
constructive action will be taken at a high level before it is too
late to save some of the houses which are deteriorating so rapidly.