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Rats and Mice Destruction Act, 1919.
The number of complaints received during the year of premises
being infested with rats was 497. These complaints were effectually
dealt with in most cases by the repair or reconstruction of defective
sewers, drains and sanitary fittings, under the supervision of the
Sanitary Inspectors.
In 27 cases it was necessary to serve notices under the Act upon
the occupiers of the land or premises.
The Council has an agreement with a firm of rat catchers for
the destruction of rats in premises under the control of the Council
or in premises for the infestation of which the Council might be
responsible. Under this agreement premises are cleared of rats by
the use of ferrets, etc., holes are filled in with cement and small
repairs to defective footings are carried out. This work is supervised
by the Sanitary Inspectors. After each house has been dealt
with in this way, it is kept under observation by the rat catchers
for a month to ascertain whether there has been any re-invasion by
rats.
One complaint of rats was referred to the rat catchers during
the year and was dealt with effectively.
Five thousand, five hundred and eight poison baits and
59 varnish traps were provided and laid down at 249 premises under
the supervision of the Sanitary Inspectors. By these means 347
premises have been cleared of rats and 20 premises were under
observation and treatment at the end of the year.
Nuisances Caused by Pigeons.
During the year 74 pigeons and some eggs were taken and
destroyed at a church in the Borough under the powers granted to
Metropolitan Borough Councils by Sec. 52 of the London County
Council (General Powers) Act, 1927.
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 thirteen. In twelve
cases the work specified in the certificates was carried out, and in
the remaining case the work was not done, the rent of the house
being reduced by 40 per cent, on an order of the Court.
Housing (Consolidated) Regulations, 1925 and 1932.
House-to-House Inspection.
The number of houses inspected and recorded under these
Regulations during the year was 1,891. and in 694 instances
nuisances were discovered requiring the service of notices under the
Public Health (London) Act, 1891.