View report page

65.
In a circular letter dated 14th May, 1965. the Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Pood advised local authorities that it is not
obligatory to make charges for rodent control in business premises;advice
which is welcome since it clearly allows the local authority full
discretion. Where notification or complaint of an infestation is received
and baiting is being carried out solely for the purpose of investigation
or where an infestation is clearly from a source outside the premises of
the person from whom the notification was received it may be desirable to
waive charges. On the other hand the scheme providing continuous service
is extremely popular, particularly with wharfingers and food firms. Most
firms are introduced to the scheme as the result of an infestation and
prefer a continuous treatment as a precautionary measure. It does not
seem unreasonable in these circumstances that a charge should be made.
Many complaints continue to be received of infestations in dwelling
houses and on cleared sites and derelict buildings. The most common source
of infestation by rats is still defective or unsealed drainage systems.
The position not infrequently is aggravated by accumulations of refuse
which provide a hiding ground, food and nesting materials.
Public Relations and Health Education. several parties of
students reading health subjects have been entertained in the Department,
including a group who were received at the request of the Ministry of
Overseas Development. The latter party stayed with the department for a
week and the Ministry have made tentative enquiries regarding the
reception of a similar group next year. It is hoped to expand this type
of service particularly in relation to talks to organisations within the
Borough.
Staff. Six Public Health Inspectors resigned from the Council's
service during the year, two on the grounds of ill health, the remainder
to take up appointments with other authorities. No applications were
received when the vacancies were advertised. It is unfortunate that
competition between authorities to secure staff now appears to border on
poaching, the principal baits being housing accommodation and home loans.
Ten Pupil Public Health Inspectors are employed in the Health Department,
two of whom will be sitting for the final examination next year and it is
hoped they will be successful and supplement existing staff.
To assist with duties carried out by Inspectors the fullest use is
made of technical assistants, seven being employed on work in connection
with clean air, houses in multiple occupation, offices and shops, and
rodent control.