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premises on behalf of occupiers. The Corporation decided no free
service was to be given but that servicing charges amounting to 2/6d.
per visit should be made except where a special fee was quoted for
long term treatment. No charge was to be made for inspections or
advisory visits; a "servicing" visit to include labour, transport,
traps, poisons and baits.
CONCLUSION.
The usual functions of the Department were considerably deranged
during this momentous year by war activities.
During the early part of the year, when raiding was heavy, members
of my staff were loaned to neighbouring Boroughs who had suffered
severely and were in dire need of technical assistance.
Later the flying bomb attack was responsible for our own Borough
being made an Evacuation Area and I was appointed Divisional Disperseals
Officer. To cope with this work and the billeting and rehousing of
homeless persons I had to switch some of the Public Health staff to the
Billeting Office.
The situation was difficult, calling for a special effort from
everyone, and it is with considerable pride that I record that the
required response was forthcoming to such an extent that despite
dislocation the vital public health services were maintained.
Obviously under such conditions arrears of work accumulated and
the tremendous increase of work which accompanied the cessation of
hostilities has caused the presentation of this Annual Report to be
delayed.
I thank my colleagues in all Departments for their ready
co-operation.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
GEOFFREY McCLELLAND.
Chief Sanitary Inspector.
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