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Bye-laws for the Protection of Food.—On the 1st January, 1937, the bye-laws made by the London
County Council under Section 6 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1932 (now
Section 183 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936) came into force. These Bye-laws provide for
the cleanliness, ventilation and lighting of premises used for the sale of food, and prohibit the wrapping
of food in paper or other material that is not clean and reasonably suitable for the purpose ; for stalls
to be kept clean and in good condition ; and for the prevention of persons suffering from infectious
disease from handling any article of food. A person who offends against the Bye-laws is liable, on
summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £5, and in the case of a continuing offence, to a further
fine not exceeding 40s. for each day during which the offence continues after conviction.
No legal action was taken during the year under these Bye-laws, but cautions were issued in
two instances.
Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1928.
No premises used, byway of trade or for purposes of gain, for the cold storage or chemical storage
of eggs, were registered during the year.
All samples taken were found to comply with the regulations applicable.
Merchandise Marks Act, 1926.
The Council is responsible for executing the provisions of this Act, so far as relates to any goods
being foodstuffs to which an Order in Council under the Act applies, and excepting any provisions
relating to the importation of goods.
The following purchases were made with a view to ascertaining whether the requirements of the
Orders had been complied with, viz. :—Currants 5, Sultanas 5, Honey 5, Butter 10, Apples 5,
Tomatoes 5.
Artificial Cream Act, 1929.
One establishment in the Borough has been registered under the Act for the manufacture or sale
of Artificial Cream.
PHARMACY AND POISONS ACT, 1933.
This Act came into operation on 1st May, 1936. It places upon the local authority the duty of
keeping a "list of persons who, not being entitled to sell poisons referred to in Part I of the Poisons
List, will, under the Act, be entitled to sell certain other poisons, i.e., those included in Part II of
the Poisons List. Powers of inspection and of enforcing the provisions are also conferred on the
local authority, who may remove a name from or refuse to enter a name on the list.
At the end of 1938, there were 119 entries in the list, as compared with 121 at the end of 1937.
Rule 28 (4) of the Poisons Rules, 1935, renders it necessary for the Council's Welfare Centres,
in which certain poisons are stored, to be inspected at regular intervals, not exceeding three months,
by a pharmacist, or by some other person appointed by the Council. On the 25th February, 1937,
the Medical Officer of Health was designated by the Council the person to make the inspections.
EXAMINATION OF BATH WATER.
Ten samples of bath water from the two bathing establishments of the Council were taken
during the year (one each quarter from each swimming bath in use). The samples were examined
at the Royal Institute of Public Health, and proved to be satisfactory.
PIGEONS.
No action was taken by the Council during the year under Section 121 of the Public Health
(London) Act, 1936.
RATS AND MICE (DESTRUCTION) ACT, 1919.
Ninety-one complaints were received during the year.
In a number of cases the Borough Engineer and Surveyor was asked to cause examinations to be
made of the sewer connections of the infested houses and the two premises immediately adjacent. In
several instances this procedure resulted in the discovery of defects which received the requisite
attention of either the owner or, where only a minor trouble, the Borough Engineer and Surveyor.
No notices were served under the Act in respect of rat-infested premises.
Rat Week.—This was held from 7th to 12th November inclusive. The usual circular letter was
sent out to the principal wharfingers, railway companies, tradesmen, etc.
VERMINOUS CONDITIONS.
Cleansing of Verminous Persons.—One hundred and eighty-three adults and 239 children received
treatment during the year.
Section 127 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, authorises the cleansing of verminous
persons by the exercise of powers granted by a petty sessional court in cases where the verminous
person does not consent to being removed to a cleansing station. No use was made of this Section
during the year.
Cleansing of Verminous Rooms.—Notices under Section 123 of the Public Health (London
Act, 1936, were served with respect to 63 premises, the verminous rooms numbering 87.
The owners of 31 premises accepted the Council's offer with regard to the spraying of infested
rooms with a special insecticidal solution, 46 rooms being so treated at a charge to the owners of
7s. 6d. per room.