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33
Use of Slipper Baths by Old Age Pensioners.
On the 30th January, 1952, the Council, on a recommendation of
the Health Committee (with which the Baths and Wash-Houses Committee
w ere in agreement) decided to make available to old age pensioners free
u se of the slipper baths at their Baths Establishments (with use of
towel) on production of their pension books.
During the first twelve months this arrangement was in operation,
it was taken advantage of by 6,224 persons —2,560 men and 3,664 women.
Public Swimming Baths.
The Council maintain four public swimming pools —three at
Latchmere Baths and one at Nine Elms Baths.
Samples of the water from these pools are taken weekly for
bacteriological examination. The results show that the water has
consistently maintained a high degree of purity.
Protection of Food Supply.
(A)—INSPECTION OF FOOD PREMISES.
Regular inspection of all premises where food for human consumption
is prepared, stored, or sold has always been carried out as a
routine measure
In the Annual Report for 1951, reference was made to the fact
than an additional Sanitary Inspector had been appointed in
November, 1950, to supplement the existing inspectors engaged on
this particular work, and that during 1951 she had undertaken a complete
survey of all catering establishments, canteens, etc., these being
the type of food premises most in need of constant supervision. This
survey was completed early in 1952, and there is no doubt that the
Ve ry material improvement in the general standard of food preparation
and handling in the Borough, which resulted from it, more than justified
the additional appointment. Since the completion of the survey, the
Inspector's time has been devoted principally to re-visits, particularly
to those establishments which had, on the initial inspection, been found
much below a satisfactory standard, or whose proprietors had shown
re calcitrance in making any suggested improvements, with the object
of ensuring that the ground gained was not lost. It appears increasingly
ev ident that regular supervision of this nature, with emphasis rather
on advice and education than on formal enforcement of statutory
r equirements, is far more likely to produce good results than any
other method. There, will, of course, always be cases where it does not
s ucceed, and in these the law must be invoked. Experience has, however,
shown that they are very few and far between.
By-laws for the Protection of Food.
These By-laws, made by the London County Council under
Section 15 of the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, came into operation on
the 3 r d November, 1952. They are designed to secure the observance
of sanitary and cleanly conditions and practices in connection with the
handling, wrapping and delivery of food sold or intended for sale for