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to coincide with the period chosen by the London County Council for
their general campaign throughout London.
Under the provisions of the Clean Air Act, 1956, the Council's
proposals for establishing its first smoke control area were submitted
to the Minister of Housing and Local Government on the 19th November,
The detailed surveying of properties in Church Ward and the preparation
of estimated costs were carried out by members of the existing staff
in the Public Health Department. Full technical details will be
found on pages 54 to 57 .
Mr. T. McLachlan, the Public Analyst, examined and reported upon
four hundred samples of Food and Drugs which were submitted to him
during the year by the sampling officers, and in fourteen instances
(3½) he reported that adulteration, labelling inaccuracies or
misdescriptions had been found. In all these cases, thorough
investigations were pursued to ensure that such offences did not recur.
It was found necessary in two instances to resort to legal proceedings
when the traders concerned were fined sums, inclusive of costs, of
£13. 8s. 0d. and £23. 8s. 0d. respectively. A comprehensive account
of the Public Analyst's work throughout the year is included in this
report.
The Public Health Inspectors have regularly inspected all food
premises within the Borough and since the introduction of the Food
Hygiene Regulations, 1955, considerable progress has been made in
structural improvements in food shops and restaurants. Throughout
the year special attention has been paid to the preparation rooms in
shops where foodstuffs are weighed and packed for sale in self-service
stores. In many cases requests have been made for additional washing
facilities to be provided within or adjacent to preparation rooms, so
that persons handling unwrapped foods can be encouraged to wash their
hands after opening tins, packing cases, cartons, etc.
In concluding my report I am pleased to have this opportunity to
thank all Members of the Council, and particularly the Chairman and
Members of the Public Health and Baths Committee, for their continued
support, and I also acknowledge the co-operation and help I have
received from the Chief Officers of other Departments. Finally, to
all members of the Public Health Department I extend my grateful
thanks for their loyalty and the conscientious manner in which they
have carried out their duties during the year.
I am, Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,