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51
in diagnostic radiology, and of certain uses of radiation in the treatment
of non-malignant conditions, particularly in children. Among the less
important sources of radiation, we hope that the use of x-rays in shoefitting
will be abandoned except when prescribed for orthopaedic reasons;
that watches and clocks with radioactively luminous dials will be confined
to necessary uses; and that the x-ray hazard from television tubes at present
negligible, will be borne in mind if special types of high-voltage equipment
come to be widely used."
Rats and Mice
The rodent operatives found rats or mice at 1,122 of the 1,301
premises they visited. Each of the infestations was small and localised.
Most complaints were from private dwelling houses, 870 of these being in
respect of rats, 96 of mice. Ten infestations of rats and four of mice
were at Corporation properties, 93 and 49 at other premises. The
numbers for Corporation properties and other premises are much the
same as for the previous year, but those relating to private dwellings
show a fall of about twenty five per cent. 9,864 visits were paid by the
operatives.
Two sewer treatments were carried out. Of 523 manholes baited,
only 49 showed signs of infestation. These 49 were treated in addition
to others previously found to be infested. The treatment carried out in
November showed that only 53 manholes were still infested. These
figures confirm the findings of previous years that the sewers of the
district are not seriously affected.
Wasps
The rodent operatives investigated 229 complaints of wasps nests
during the year and destroyed 213 nests. The remaining 16 complaints
were found to result from wild bees nests, and wasps nests in inaccessible
places which could not be treated. The figure of 213 compares with 114
in 1953, 278 in 1954 and 345 in 1955.
Fouling of Footpaths by Dogs
This is a real nuisance in some parts of the district, perhaps more
especially in those quiet roads near shopping centres where the occupants
of flats above the shops own dogs. Occasionally action is taken under
byelaw 25 of the Council's Good Rule and Government byelaws. A case
was reported to the General Purposes Committee at their meeting in
September where the owner allowed an animal whilst in his charge to
foul a footway in Northolt Road; the offence was witnessed by a police
constable; the offender when the case came before the Harrow Justices
Court was fined £2 and one guinea costs. The Committee has at times
discussed what might be done to give more publicity to this offence,
referred to the Public Relations Committee a suggestion from the
pinnerer South Residents Association that the Council should erect warning
notices in the streets to remind dog owners of their responsibilities.
notices Committee decided that posters drawing attention of the public to
prosecutions for these offences should be displayed on the Council notice
boards.