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111
there is the formal procedure under the Public Health (London)
Act, 1936, to be followed, in order to remedy the defective
conditions found as a result of the rat investigation.
It will be recalled that the Ministry of Food, and latterly
the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, have issued several
circulars and directives on rodent control since 1941, and
certain items of expenditure incurred by local authorities in
carrying out this work have been reimbursed by these
Ministries. In this connection, special attention was given
during the past year to the comprehensive rodent control
scheme contained in Ministry Circular N.S. 12, and a systematic
survey and treatment of the whole borough with regard
to rodent control, involving a premises to premises enquiry
and treatment as found necessary, on the lines recommended
by the Ministry, was commenced on the 1st September.
There can be no doubt as to the value of this scheme,
both as regards abating the annoyance caused to householders
by rats and mice, and also in bringing to notice defective
drains and sewers which, not forgetting the migration of rats
along railways and waterways, is the only really important
source of infestation in this borough."
The survey referred to above continued during 1949 and
involved a visit to all dwelling-houses and business premises in the
borough, the occupiers being asked either personally or by questionnaire
to state whether or not their premises were infested by rodents.
Co-operation was received from 20,229 occupiers, of whom 848
indicated that their premises were infested by rats, while 1,443
occupiers reported mice infestation.
The areas showing the greatest infestation were Hackney
Wick; Dalston Lane/Ridley Road; the area bounded by Kingsland
Road, Kingsland High Street and Stoke Newington High Street;
and that bounded by Mare Street, Amhurst Road, Dalston Lane
and Kingsland High Street.
Wherever it was possible to do so the drains serving the ratinfested
premises were examined and in 228 instances smoke tests
were applied to the drains, of which 77 were found to be defective.
Test baits were laid in and around the infested premises, followed
by poison baits, and post-baiting indicated that 575 premises had
been cleared of rats. Periodic baiting was also continued in the
area of the River Lea and Hackney Cut Navigation, and on bomb
sites throughout the borough.
On the 31st March, 1950, the Prevention of Damage by Pests
Act, 1949, which repealed the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act,
1919, came into operation. Under the provisions of this Act, it is