View report page

This table shows that while the dismissals in prosecutions for
false warranty have progressively increased in the four periods,
viz.:—57.1 per cent. in 1910-11 to 82.6 per cent. in 1916-17, the
successful prosecutions have progressively decreased from 42.9 per
cent. to 17.4 per cent. in the same periods.
In the face of these figures, which are eloquent enough, how is
it possible for any Local Authority to hope to protect the public
from fraudulent adulteration of food ? No wonder Local Authorities
are adverse to prosecuting for false warranty when the chances of
successful prosecution have almost vanished. The position has now
reached such a point that most of the London Authorities decline
to initiate proceedings for this offence.
Only one remedy exists for the present conditions, and that is
the unconditional repeal of the warranty clauses in the Sale of
Food and Drugs Acts.
In 1915 I urged this view in my report, and the Borough
Council on the Committee's recommendation pressed the Local
Government Board and Board of Agriculture to repeal the harmful