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is composed of voluntary members of local food traders, all of
whom have been trained to deal with foodstuffs which may become
contaminated by gas attack from enemy action. Much spare time
has been given by the members to training and preparation, and
they are to be congratulated on their enthusiasm and willingness
to co-operate.
Inspection of food premises reveals that either as a result of
overwork, or shortage of staff, a degree of laxity has been noticeable
in the general standard of cleanliness. In certain cases it has been
found necessary to institute legal proceedings.
Rodent Control.
For the first time in my Annual Report reference is made to
departmental activity in connection with rat and mice destruction—
"rodent control".
Annual wastage and spoilage of foodstuffs due to rodents is
estimated in millions of pounds, and being aware of this, the
Ministry of Food, in May, 1943, took the first steps in a drastic
national drive to deal with the rodent problem, by issuing (under
the Defence Regulations) the Infestation Order, 1943. Under this
Order the Minister has power to direct owners and occupiers of land
to take such steps as may be necessary to deal with any infestations,
or to report that such infestations exist.
The first intimation received was a "direction", issued in
July, 1943, requiring the local authority to make a survey and
report any major infestations in the area. Failure to comply with
this "direction" constituted an offence. This was followed by a
further "direction" to take such steps as were necessary to disinfest
all sewers in the area. This work was carried out by the Public
Health Department, with the co-operation of the sewers section of
the Borough Engineer's Department, and over a period of two
months, two complete treatments were affected throughout the
sewerage system of the Borough.
The Ministry of Food were apparently aware of the ambiguous
position created, whereby local authorities who were not the
statutory authority under the Rats & Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919,
might receive directions to carry out certain work which was in
conflict with the duties of the Rats & Mice (Destruction) Act