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Large numbers of them throw cigarette ends, cigarette packets, sweet papers, fruit
skins from their car windows. This can be seen every day, and it is obvious they take advantage
of the fact that it would be very difficult to obtain a prosecution under the Litter
Act under such circumstances. All these persons are encouraging the growth of the rat
population.
Pet Animals Act, 1951
Six establishments were licensed during the year. The number of animals kept in
each case was small and conditions have remained satisfactory.
Administration of the Shops Acts
One hundred and ninety-six visits were paid to shops. No more time could be given
to the full administration of the Shops Acts, because of the demands of other duties.
River Pollution
Inspection and sampling of river water from the River Crane, the River Brent and
the Canal continued during 1964. In some cases the effluent from certain pipes discharging
to the rivers was unsatisfactory and further investigation was carried out in order to
ascertain the source of pollution. In one particular case, the pollution was traced to a
large factory some distance from the River Crane. Steps were taken by the company
concerned to divert the offending discharge to the soil sewer, and also to prevent the entry
of solid matter into the surface water sewer, since when there has been a great improvement
in the effluent at this point.
Establishments for Massage and Special Treatment

Nuclear Radiation
The Metropolitan Water Board gives, with its monthly report on the state of the
water coming into public supply, a short notice of the radioactivity as estimated by the
Board's Laboratory Staff, and also records the reports of the Atomic Energy Authority
on the radioactive content of outfalls into the Thames from the nuclear reactors. No abnormal
increase occurred during 1964.
The Radio Active Substances Act (1960) provided for the central registration and
control of the keeping and use of radioactive materials and the disposal of radioactive
waste, and enabled the central authority to notify local authorities of the existence of
registered premises within their boundaries. No notifications of this nature have yet been
received in the Public Health Department.
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