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21
Twelve samples of ice cream were procured and submitted
to the Public Health Laboratory Service at Epsom. All were
graded Group 1.
The Council has received many complaints regarding the
noise and disturbance caused by the various instruments used
by mobile ice cream vendors to attract attention. Appeals to the
users of these instruments, which range from amplified recordings
of popular tunes to ordinary motor horns, have not produced
any noticeable effect and it appears that the effectiveness
of Police action in this matter is limited.
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 Council's refuse tip was kept
under regular observation and any sign of rat activity dealt
with immediately.
During the twelve months ended on the 31st March, 1956,
the complaints received numbered 190. and these together with
cases discovered by members of the staff involved the inspection
of 1,542 premises. Rat infestations were found at 237 premises
and mice infestations at 83 premises. Of these 292 treatments
were undertaken by the department, the remaining 28 being
carried out by the occupiers.
When treatments are carried out by this department on
behalf of occupiers, a standard charge of five shillings is made
in the case of private dwellings, and the full cost of the treatment
is recovered 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.
Arrangements were continued with the Middlesex County
Council for the department to carry out any rodent control
works necessary on the portions of the Duke of Northumberland's
River and the River Crane in the area.
Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials Act, 1951
There are three premises registered under this Act, where
filling materials are used. Five inspections were made.