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7
Rodent Control
In the body of the report, on page 45 is a detailed account of
the work of the Department in respect of rodent control. The Fulham
sewage system is connected to the network of sewers serving all the
London area North of the Thames. It appears to me that the present
method, whereby Local Authorities carry out their sewer treatments
independently and without co ordination with the efforts of neighbour
ing Boroughs, greatly reduces the benefits to be derived. If we
substantially reduce the rat population of the sewers of Fulham, we
only make space into which rats from other areas can move. In my
opinion, what is needed is a co-ordinated plan, so that adjoining
authorities undertake treatment simultaneously or in close succession,
so that the rat population of London as a whole is given a severe blow
at more or less one and the same time. It is appreciated that such a
scheme would require careful planning and the fullest co-operation but
the means for this already exist in the Workable Area Committees.
It is also recognised that if certain of the dangerous poisons are to
be used, additional trained teams of operatives will be needed at
present many Boroughs employ private specialist firms for this work and
their man power resources may not be adequate for a "blitz" programme
but the problem is not insurmountable and the project is I feel,
worthy of serious study
In conclusion, it is a pleasure to record my sincere thanks to
the Council and to the Chairman and Members of the Health Committee for
their continued support and interest in the work of the Department
Thanks are also due to my Chief Officer colleagues and their staffs
with whom the Health Department works closely to my medical colleagues
in hospital, general practice and the L.C.C. Divisional Office who are
always so helpful and to the various local Organisations with which the
Department works closely Last, but not least, I have to thank all
the members of the staff of the Health Department for their loyalty and
assistance at all times.
I have the honour to be.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
Medical Officer of Health.