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In the case of a sample falling into the category of Grades 3 or 4, the premises
were visited with a view to ascertaining the cause. In these cases a full investigation
was carried out and further samples taken to ensure that an improvement had been effected.
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949
The year's experience has shown that the policy of tracing the cause of infestation
by rats has produced good results. One may ask, "What shall it profit the Borough to claim
10,000 rats killed, if the source remains untouched". The personnel of the Infestation
Section have made 8,967 visits to 1693 different premises and in no case has failure to
produce the desired result been reported. The Sanitary inspectors made 121 inspections to
premises under the Act, and in 10 cases it became necessary to serve Statutory Notices under
Section 4, by the authority of the Health Committee. In no case was it necessary to
institute proceedings for non-compliance. In addition to this work, 803 visits were made
to 646 premises in connection with disinfestation and 64 visits to 60 premises were made for
the purpose of disinfection. The statistical table relating to the work of the Rodent Control
Section is set out below.