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6
The Rodent Control Scheme was operated successfully throughout
the year, and Anti-Fly measures were again. instituted in the
summer months. Both schemes have proved an integral part of
environmental hygiene and the Public Health Committee have had
under consideration the question of systematising these aspects
of the department's activities.
Great difficulties still exist in the field of sanitary surveillance
as constructive results can only follow from house-to-house
inspection of districts and the full operation of housing legislation.
Continued effort has produced improvement and, compared with
the pattern achieved in 1946 and 1947, the problem appears to be
decreasing. Nevertheless overcrowding and the continued occupation
of sub-standard dwellings are factors dangerous to health
economy which cannot be over-emphasized.
The section dealing with food inspection records in detail the
attention paid by your officers to supervision of the storage, distribution
and sale of foodstuffs in the Borough.
The operation of the National Health Service Act, 1946,
entailed a good deal of preparatory work and reorganisation within
the department. Special tribute is due to those who ensured that
the transfer of functions took place without dislocation of services.
In conclusion, after more than twelve years' privileged
association with colleagues in the Public Health Department it
gives me pleasure to place on record my respect for their ungrudging
loyalty and friendship. The friendly co-operation of the Town
Clerk, other Chief Officers and all grades of staff, is also gratefully
acknowledged, and this opportunity is taken of thanking sincerely
the Chairmen of Committees and individual members of the Council
for the courtesy and consideration shown to me at all times during
my period of office.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
F. R. Waldron,
Medical Officer of Health