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the occupiers of premises where these rodents had obtained access to buildings (usually in the roof space).
Where they frequented gardens, traps were loaned and advice was given as to methods of trapping. Charges
were made in accordance with the Council's scale.
Sixty-two Notices under Section 4 of the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 were served
on occupiers of food and other premises, and in 8 instances it was found necessary to seize food contaminated
by mice and have it condemned by a Justice of the Peace. Legal proceedings were taken and penalties
were imposed in each case which has been heard.
Seven hundred and sixty-two inspection chambers in drainage systems were inspected and defects
were found in 87. Action was taken to have these defects remedied. When refuse collection was interrupted
during the national dispute, 1,002 visits were made to treat temporary refuse dumps.
Nine hundred and fifty-seven complaints of rats were received and 27 additional infestations were
found by Rodent Operators, making a total of 984 initial visits and 2,952 visits and revisits. One thousand,
three hundred and forty-one visits were made to dwellings which were treated for mice infestation. Two
hundred and ninety-three complaints of rat infestation were found to be mice infestation. Advice was given
by the Rodent Officer on methods of treatment.
CONTROL OF WILD PIGEONS
During the year, the 10 railway bridges in the Borough, for which there is a contract for the
extermination of pigeons, were systematically treated by the Contractor, under the supervision of a Senior
Public Health Inspector. Three hundred and twenty birds were destroyed.
UN CLEANLINESS AND SCABIES
(Table 48)
Treatment for scabies, lice and nits continued to be provided at the Stonebridge Health Clinic.
Compared with 1969, there has been a decrease in the number of cases treated for scabies (156 in 1969, 128
in 1970), the decrease being mainly among children under 5 years of age. The number of cases treated for
lice and nits increased slightly from 52 in 1969 to 80 in 1970, the main increase being among children aged
5 to 15 years. The numbers treated are still small however, and there is no evidence of a significant increase
in the prevalence of these conditions among the population.
DISINFESTATION
The Public Health Inspectors inspect verminous premises and supervise the work of the disinfectors
employed by the Council (Section 83 of the Public Health Act 1936) (Table 49).
The Council provide transport for clothing and bedding requiring disinfection and disinfestation
(Section 84 of the Public Health Act 1936). The Council's employees disinfect and disinfest rooms and collect
and deliver the clothing and bedding.
The number of verminous premises treated remains very small when considered in relation to the
total number of premises in the Borough, and calls for no special comment.
Three hundred and fifteen complaints were received regarding wasps and 228 nests were destroyed.
The remaining 87 nests were not accessible. The charges in accordance with the Council's Scale were met.
PUBLIC MORTUARY
During the year, Home Office pathologists performed post mortem examinations on 801 bodies in
the Town Hall Mortuary, followed by an inquest in 145 cases. All the inquests were held by the Coroner in
accommodation provided by the London Borough of Barnet at Avenue House, East End Road, Finchley,
N.3.
The Mortuary was constructed in 1959/60 and contains a refrigerated chamber for 9 bodies, 2 post
mortem tables, waiting room, viewing room and offices for the pathologist and mortuary superintendent.
In addition to the mortuary superintendent, a full-time attendant is employed.