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In the case of dwelling houses, treatment is undertaken by the Council free of
charge. In the case of business premises, a charge based upon time, cost of
materials and overhead expenses, is made. An estimate of the cost is prepared and
submitted to the occupier of the business premises and it is open to him either to
accept it, engage a private specialist firm or undertake the work himself. Almost
invariably the Council's estimate is accepted. Should an occupier elect to do the
work himself, the District Public Health Inspector ensures that the treatment is
successfully carried out.
In a number of cases it was necessary to take steps to have removed accumulations
of rubbish which had been harbouring rats, to have gardens or land cleared
of excessive growth, or buildings made rat-proof. In no case, however, did formal
action under the Act become necessary, all essential work of rat-proofing, clearing
etc., being satisfactorily carried out as a result of representations to the occupiers
or owners by the Public Health Inspectors.
All of the rat infestations were by the Common (brown) rat. Ship (black) rats
have not been found in the Borough for several years.
Details of the work carried out during the year, in the form required by the
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is set out in appendix II.
An infestation is considered to be "major" when more than 20 bodies are
picked up after treatment.
DISINFECTION
Disinfection of rooms by the use of formalin spray is carried out after the
incidence of certain notifiable infectious diseases and, in the case of tuberculosis,
when considered necessary by the Chest Physician. Bedding and clothing
were disinfected throughout the year at the disinfecting station at West Hendon
Hospital by arrangement with the Regional Hospital Board, but as the disinfector
used for clothing and for library books has become worn out, arrangements have now
been made with Finchley Borough Council for this work to be carried out at their
disinfecting station at North Circular Road, London N. 3. in future.
Library books at houses where cases of certain notifiable infectious diseases
occur, are removed and disinfected before return to the library.
Disinfection is also occasionally carried out at other premises to meet the
wishes of an occupier. In such cases a charge Is made for this service.
Parcels of clothing to be sent abroad are disinfected on request and an
appropriate accompanying certificate issued.
During the year the following were dealt with:-
Rooms 75
65