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some misconception of the duties of the Corporation, many people
getting the impression that they were to he relieved of responsibility
in the matter rnd thrt the Corporation would forthwith proceed to
disinfest their premises free of charge.
The position was rather confused, because, although the
Corporation hrd received a "direction" from the Ministry of Pood under
the Infestation Order, the County Council was still administering the
1919 Act.
The Ministry therefore arranged for the County Council to delegate
its powers under that Act to the Corporation, and urged the Corporation
to accept such delegation. After some negotiation the Corporation
accepted such powers in May 1944.
On the 31st August, 1944, the Corporation was "directed" by the
Minister of Pood to "take such action as may be necessary to remedy
infestation of lrnd within your administrative area."
Prom the foregoing it will be seen that the only duty of the
Corporation in connection with rat destruction during 1943 (the year
under review in this Report) wps that of making the Survey, all
operational duties being performed by the Surrey County Council.
CONCLUSION.
Examination of the staff shown on the first page explains the
manpower difficulty the Department was in until the close of the yerr,
and is the explanation of the decreased total number of visits made
during the year. In spite of this shortage, and the fact that I was
away ill for a considerable period, the actual works of sanitary
improvements effected compare very favourably with other years; this
observation applying equally to the work done on Council Houses. An
energetic drive was made on the industrial area to ensure adequate
means of escape in case of fire in factories; sampling under the Pood
and Drugs Act was considerably increased and in general food inspection
work there was a very heavy increase in the amount of food dec It with,
which, as the report shows, was of great variety.
No detail is given in this report of the multifarious duties
carried out consequent upon enemy action, nor to the volume of day and
night work put in by the staff find voluntary helpers in connection v;ith
evacuation, rehousing, billeting and generc 1 care of the homeless.
I can confidently say that no essential public health matter hrs
been neglected, rnd this is due to the efficient, loyal service rendered
by members of my staff, and the co-operation of colleagues in all
departments.
I particularly commend my,Deputy Mr. Eldridge, for the able way in
which the functions of the Department were maintained during my absence,
and his valuable help throughout the whole of the year.
I am, ladies and gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
GEOFFREY McCICELAND,
Chief Sanitary Inspector.
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