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50
All the storage places situated in the Borough were inspected.
In connection with the renewal of licences for street trading enquiry was made
into an allegation that a trade carried on from a stall in one of the market streets
(a second-hand clothes dealer) resulted in the diffusion of dirt and dust which
appeared likely to contaminate food exposed for sale at an adjoining stall, but it
was found that the garments exposed for sale were scrupulously clean, most had
been washed before being placed on the stall.
Ice Cream.
With a view to more efficiently dealing with the manufacture, storage and
sale of ice cream, provision was included in the London County Council (General
Powers) Act, 1928, for the registration with the sanitary authority of premises
proposed to be used for such purposes. The provision does not apply to premises
occupied as a factory or workshop, respecting which notice is required by Subsection
I of Section 127 of the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901, nor to any
premises used as an hotel, restaurant or club. Although the provision requiring
registration of these premises is welcomed as a progressive step towards the better
control of the manufacture, storage and sale of this commodity, it is to be
regretted that no power is given to local authorities, to refuse registration of
unsuitable premises. It is also to be regretted that opportunity was not taken
in connection with the promotion of this legislation to include a definition of
ice cream. Previous legislation dealing with the matter is contained in the
London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1902.
The advantage of registration is that the existence of premises where ice
cream is made, stored or sold, will be brought to the knowledge of the local
authority; this information will enable the officers of the local authority to see
that the provisions of the Act of 1902 are complied with.
The matter was of some importance in Holborn because of the large quantity
of ice cream manufactured in the area known as the " Italian Colony;" although,
owing to the closing and demolition of a number of houses in this area, the quantity
of ice cream made in the Borough is much less than in previous years. In
connection with the registration of such premises in the Borough a memorandum
on the manufacture, storage and sale of ice cream was prepared by the Medical
Officer of Health in 1928, and a copy is furnished to every applicant for registration
(see A.R., 1928, p. 42).
During the year there were 30 premises in the Borough where ice cream was
manufactured, and in addition to my inspections 54 inspections of these premises
were made. It was not found necessary to serve any notice.