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One complaint of rats upon hospital premises was referred to
the rat catchers during the year and was dealt with effectively.
Six thousand, two hundred and eighty poison baits and 129
varnish traps were provided and laid down at 270 premises under
the supervision of the Sanitary Inspectors. By these means 255
premises have been cleared of rats and 15 premises were under
observation and treatment at the end of the year.
Nuisances Caused by Pigeons.
During the year complaints were received of nuisance caused
by pigeons at two churches in the Borough and steps were taken
under the powers granted to Metropolitan Borough Councils by
Sec. 52 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1927,
to reduce the number of pigeons nesting in and around the belfries.
At one church 160 pigeons were taken and destroyed and eggs
and nests found in the belfry were removed. As the number of
birds at this institution is still so large as to constitute a nuisance
the efforts of the Council's staff are being continued.
The construction of the other building at which this nuisance
exists is such as to present considerable difficulty in catching the
birds, and the efforts made so far have not been very successful,
only six birds having been caught and destroyed. Further efforts
to reduce the number of birds at this church are to be made.
Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Acts, 1920—1933.
The number of certificates granted under the Rent and Mortgage
Interest (Restrictions) Acts during the year was nine. In six cases
the work specified in the certificates was carried out, and in the
remaining three instances the work necessary to make the premises
fit for habitation was in progress at the end of the year.
The register of de-controlled properties of a rateable value not
exceeding £20 per annum which the Borough Council is required to
keep under Sec. 2 of the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions
(Amendment) Act, 1933, was completed before the end of 1933,
with the exception of such entries as will be made from time to time
pursuant to Orders of the County Court that there has been reasonable
excuse for failure to register. The number of entries in the
register at the end of the year was 4,360.
Sec. 10 of this Act empowers the Borough Council to publish
information for the assistance of landlords and tenants, and in this
connection 1,570 pamphlets had been issued and some 3,000 personal
enquiries had been dealt with by the end of the year.