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RATS AND MICE DESTRUCTION, etc. The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act. 1949
places the responsibility on the Council 'to keep their area as far as practicable,
free from rats and mice' and occupiers of premises are required to give notice when
they have knowledge that rats and mice are present in substantial numbers. It is
obligatory on the Council to recover the expenses reasonably incurred in taking
steps for the destruction of rats and mice on business premises, but permissive as
far as the cost of treating private dwellings is concerned. The council has decided
to make no charge for the treatment of private dwelling-houses unless there is
failure on the part of the owner or occupier to co-operate in preventing infestation.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries may make to local authorities a grant
equal to one half of the expenditure incurred in the performance of their duties
under the Act so far as such expenditure has not been recovered.

Test baiting and where necessary, treatment is carried out to sewers, watercourses,
tips, etc. Destruction of part of the rat population by chemical or other
poisoning may increase the food supply and improve the chances of survival of the
remainder. Eradication requires environmental conditions which hinder survival, i.e.,
no food and no shelter and occupiers of premises should bear this in mind.
SHOPS ACT, 1950, SECTION 38. Shops require to be reasonably ventilated,
heated and lighted, and there should be suitable and sufficient sanitary and washing
facilities for the persons employed therein. In this connection 21 inspections were
made during the year.
No certificate of exemption re provision of sanitary accommodation was granted.
RAG FLOCK AND OTHER FILLING MATERIALS ACT, 1951. This Act is designed to
ensure that filling materials used in upholstery, etc. comply with prescribed conditions
of cleanliness. Premises using filling materials have to be registered and
premises where rag flock is manufactured or stored have to be licensed. It is an
offence to sell articles containing unclean materials. Certain records have to be
kept on registered and licensed premises and authorised officers of a local authority
have powers to enter, inspect and take samples. Under this Act, five premises in
the Borough have been registered and the Public Health Inspectors made 5 visits of
inspection.
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