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A total of 224 inspections under these Regulations were carried out during the year. Minor
infringements were corrected at the time of inspection and it was not found necessary to institute
any legal proceedings.
TILBURY GRAIN TERMINAL
The year 1970 saw the first full year of operation on the Tilbury Grain Terminal together with
full production by the three associated Flour Mills — Sunblest, Co-op and Hudson Ward & Sons.
In 1970 the sources of imported grains (wheat, barley, maize and soya bean) were the United
States, Canada, Brazil, Australia and Eastern Europe, also a small amount of home grown grain
was received through the Terminal.
The number of vessels arriving with imported grain during the year was 65; this accounted
for a total tonnage imported of 1,473,728 tons.
Distribution of imported grain from the Terminal was by the following outlets: coastal
vessels, lighters, road transport, rail transport and direct to the associated Mills.
During the year the Grain Terminal has required constant attention by the Authority's Technical
Staff, virtually requiring a daily visit to keep rodent activity to a minimum. For the year
the following number of bodies were recovered:-
Trapped Poisoned
Black Rat 33 14
Brown Rat 17 3
Mice 123 43
Due to the nature of the premises it has been necessary to use several methods of control
using multi-dose anti-coagulant rodenticides, '1080' and trapping, all of which have been successful
in part. The use of multi-dose poisons has been the least successful due to the amount of
grain that is available for natural feeding. It has been found that although rather time consuming,
trapping has produced very good and positive results.
With regard to the use of '1080', two operations were carried out on a limited scale, and
these produced a total of 14 Black Rats recovered. Owing to the working arrangements of the
Terminal, the availability of the premises to carry out '1080' operations without interfering with
production is limited.
Toward the end of last year the Port of London Authority purchased "Nandel" Sonic Vermin
Scarers and installed these in the false ceilings of the office accommodation where there is a
persistent mouse problem. Insufficient time has elapsed since installation to assess the efficacy
or otherwise of the device, but the experiment is being kept under close observation.
Rodent control in the three flour Mills has been undertaken on a contract basis by a servicing
company who make regular visits every six weeks, but attend more frequently if required. The
Technical Assistants are keeping a close watch on these premises in conjunction with the Grain
Terminal.
Further '1080' operations will be carried out during 1971 as and when necessary. It is
anticipated that the Bank Holiday periods would be ideal times for these, as the Terminal will
close for the extended weekends, thus allowing for an adequate exposure period.
DISEASES OF ANIMALS ACT 1950 & ASSOCIATED ACTS
Mr. G.S. Wiggins, M.R.C.V.S. Veterinary Officer for the City of London, has submitted the
following report:-
Under the terms of the London Government Act 1963, the Corporation of London is the
authority for the administration of the Diseases of Animals Act 1950, in respect of the importation
of animals, for the whole of Greater London.
Quarantine Facilities at Heathrow Airport
In the annual report for the year 1969, it was stated that the Port and City of London Health
Committee had agreed in principle to the Corporation of London setting up proper facilities for
handling imported animals at Heathrow Airport.
In June the Chairman of the Port and City of London Health Committee presided at a meeting
at Guildhall at which all interested organisations were represented. A sub-committee was formed
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