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67
METALLIC POISONING
In the latter part of the year, details of a case of metallic food poisoning in the City
of Westminster came to the attention of the department. Two children were violently sick
about five minutes after drinking diluted orange squash at licensed premises in Westminster.
On investigation, it was found that the concentrated fruit drink had been obtained from a
bottle which was provided with a metal pourer. Corrosion had been caused by the chemical
action of the acid content of the drink on the unplated parts of the pourer. The illness of
the children was apparently caused by copper poisoning.
On receiving details of this case from the City of Westminster, immediate
arrangements were made for letters to be sent to all known premises within the Borough of
Kensington and Chelsea, numbering about 800, drawing attention to the possibl , danger of
using metal pourers when dispensing drinks which have an acid content and asking, as a
precautionary measure, for the use of metal pourers in bottles containing concentrated fruit
drinks to be discontinued and for them to be replaced, if necessary, with pourers made of
plastic material.
Queries arising as a result of these letters were dealt with by the staff, as necessary,
and the traders concerned were most co-operative.
PUBLIC CONTROL DUTIES
As in previous years, the greater part of this work has been in connection with the
licensing of employment agencies and massage establishments. The number of employment
agencies licensed by the Council increased by a further 14% during the year, making a total
of 205 compared with 93 licences in force in April, 1965, when this work was transferred
from the former London County Council.
During the year, two working parties under the auspices of the London Boroughs
Association met to consider recommendations for amendments to the existing Regulations
and Byelaws in respect of these functions, the main object being to achieve uniformity of
administration by the licensing authorities. The working party, in both cases, included the
Chief Inspector of the City of London, the Public Control Officer of the City of
Westminster and the Senior Inspector, General Purposes, of this Council.
The number of premises registered for the sale of fireworks was again lower than in
the previous year.