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IX.—FOOD CONTROL.
The undermentioned report was made by me to the Public
Health Committee on the 10th December, 1929, and following my
report the Public Health Committee recommended the appointment
of a third Wharves Inspector, Mr. Francksen being promoted
to fill this post:—
"At the Public Health Committee on 26th November, 1929,
the question of the adequacy of the inspection of food at the
wharves was raised, and I was instructed to report on the present
arrangements, and especially as to whether the appointment of
an additional inspector is necessary. The two inspectors at
present employed on this work are Mr. Scott and Mr. Hoskins,
and in addition to their duties at the wharves they are also responsible
for inspecting wholesale food premises.
There are about 3½ miles of river frontage in the Borough,
much of which is occupied by wharves importing food, and there
are about 150 wholesale food premises. This work is highly
skilled, and the position of these officers is a very responsible
one, and both Mr. Scott and Mr. Hoskins have been occupied
solely with food inspection for the last twenty years. All cargoes
of food landed in this Borough are examined by the inspectors.
It is quite clear, however, that only a certain proportion of
each cargo can actually be examined by the inspector. If the
proportion examined is found to be in a satisfactory condition,
the whole parcel is released. If on the other hand the percentage
examined is unsatisfactory, a more stringent examination is
made, including, if necessary, the whole parcel. The completeness
of this examination depends upon the number of inspectors engaged
gaged on this work and the appointment of an additional inspector
would ensure the examination of a larger percentage of the goods,