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19
102 Samples of graded milks were taken and submitted
to the Public Health Laboratory Service at Epsom. One
sample only was unsatisfactory.
Two new milk distributors were registered during the
year. There are two registered dairies in the area.
Ice Cream
Premises at which ice cream was sold continue to
receive attention. There were no manufacturers of ice cream
in the area.
62 Samples were procured and submitted to the Public
Health Laboratory Service at Epsom. Only two failed to be
graded provisional group I, these were placed in group III.
The position is very much improved on that of a year or
two ago.
Seven premises were registered, under Section 14 of the
Food and Drugs Act. 1938, for the sale of ice cream.
Rodent Control
The control of rat and mice infestations in accordance
with the methods advocated by the Ministry of Agriculture
and Fisheries was continued. The annual test baiting of the
Council's sewers showed that one sewer was slightly infested
and this was treated. The Council's refuse tip was kept
under observation and any sign of rat activity dealt with
immediately.
During the fifteen months ended on the 31st March. 1954,
the complaints received of infestations numbered 185, and
these together with cases discovered by members of the staff
involved the inspection of 1,099 premises. Rat infestations
were found at 141 premises and mice infestations at 60
premises. Of these 160 treatments were undertaken by the
department, the remaining 41 being carried out by the
occupiers.
When treatments are carried out by this department
on behalf of the occupiers, a standard charge of five shillings
is made in the case of private dwellings, and the full cost of
the treatment in the case of business premises. Where the
occupiers elect to carry out the treatment themselves, advice
and supervision is given to ensure that the treatment is
effective.