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Many owners neglect minor repairs to roofs, water pipes, gutters, etc. even after
they have been reported by their tenants and only give attention to the defect after
informal or formal notices are issued by the Public Health Inspector, possibly after an
interval of months. Unfortunately, during this period the damage has already been done
and even if the original defect is later repaired, there is a possibility that dry rot
infection has already occurred and its spread is inevitable. What was originally a
minor repair costing a few shillings can end up as a very extensive job costing hundreds
of pounds. In some instances the damage is so serious as to require closure and even
demolition of part of the house as being dangerous to the inhabitants. Also to be
considered is the inconvenience such extensive repairs cause for the tenants who may
have to be temporarily re-housed to enable the extensive repair work to be carried out.
Another important matter so often overlooked by owners is the need for proper and
thorough treatment of both woodworm and dry rot. In the case of dry rot, it is useless
merely to cut out the obviously affected timber and replace it by new. The mycelium
can extend through timber which to the eye appears normal but which, nevertheless, is
infected. Extensive cutting-out is needed of apparently sound timber. It is also
useless to use any but a reputed brand of treatment chemical on the existing timbers to
prevent further spread and any timber used for repair should have been properly treated
beforehand to prevent it becoming infected.
Attention must also be drawn to another possible source of infection of house
timbers, namely firewood produced from second-hand timber from old buildings. This may
contain either woodworm or dry rot and can be a source of infection of sound properties.
In my opinion it is most important that defective timber from repair work or demolition
sites be burned, preferably on site and not sold for firewood. This is a very real
danger and quite recently I have seen wood blocks heavily infected with dry rot on sale
for firewood in Fulham. Fortunately the salesman was most co-operative and when the
danger was pointed out, the infected material was surrendered freely for destruction
In an attempt to bring the problem to the notice of house owners, a letter is now
sent with every notice issued by the Public Health Inspectors where timber defects are
involved. A copy of this letter is included in the report at Appendix A (page ).
Arrangements were also made for the Medical Officer of Health and all the Public
Health Inspectors and students to attend a one-day course of instruction in the
recognition and treatment of timber pests organised by one of the firms specialising in
this kind of work. This was most interesting and useful.
In conclusion. I have pleasure in thanking the Council and Members of the Health
Committee for their continued support and interest in the work of the Department.
To my Chief Officer colleagues and their staffs my medical colleagues in hospitals
and general practice; the Divisional Medical Officer of the London County Council.
Dr. B.E.A. Sharpe and her staff; and the various local organisations with which the
department collaborates, my sincere thanks are also offered, as it would be quite impossible
for the department to function effectively without their help and co operation,
which is always so willingly forthcoming.
Finally. I wish to offer my sincere thanks to the staff of the Health Department for
their loyalty and conscientious attention to their duties at all times.
I have the honour to be.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant.
Medical Officer of Health.