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Every endeavour is made to assist managements to maintain a satisfactory standard in their bakeries and foodshops.
Unfortunately it was found necessary to recommend proceedings against a person in control of a bakehouse in the
Borough for the purpose of securing compliance with the requirements of Section 13 of the Food and Drugs Act, 1938.
The wrapping of sweetmeats by registered outworkers was investigated by your food inspectors during the year.
In July there were 40 persons registered who were engaged on this work in their own homes. Whilst it is true that they
were kept under observation by the Council's Sanitary Inspector I reported that in my opinion the procedure was
objectionable, as, although before registration the Sanitary Inspector concerned satisfied herself that the home conditions
were reasonable, nevertheless there could be no guarantee as to what other members of the family and neighbours
assisted—maybe with unclean hands. This problem was considered in 1950 by the Ministries of Health and Food, who
at that time were unwilling to promote legislation prohibiting this practice, as they understood it was an infrequent
one; that it would be difficult to prove that disease had been spread thereby; and that it had been suggested that the
new Food Hygiene Regulations might prohibit the manufacture, storage or wrapping of food in rooms used as domestic
living rooms.
In view of the position outlined above it was decided to draw the attention of the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing
Joint Committee to this matter and ask them to give full support to the inclusion of necessary powers in the proposed
Food Hygiene Regulations prohibiting this objectionable practice in terms of the suggestion referred to above.
Elderly People
During the year the Department extended its services for the benefit of the old people of the Borough. Under
powers conferred by Section 43 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1953 a service for the cleansing
and bathing of old people at home was started. Some eight to ten baths were given each week by the Medicinal Baths
attendants.
The Council also started, in September, 1954, a laundry scheme for the elderly incontinent. A washing machine
was installed at the Medicinal Baths and the laundry done by the female baths attendant. Collection and delivery of
the laundry was made by the disinfection staff. The majority of the cases dealt with were referred to the Department
by the District Nurses, although some came to light during the visits of the Department's Female Sanitary Inspector
and Visitor.
From the inception of the scheme until the end of the year, eleven cases were dealt with, although at any one
time the maximum number receiving attention was eight. This service is provided under Section 122 of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1936.
I have included an extract from a report of the Old People's Welfare Committee.
Coloured Immigrants
Throughout the year there has been an influx of coloured immigrants into the Borough, particularly in respect of
British nationals from the West Indies. In so far as Paddington is the most densely populated of the Metropolitan
Boroughs this immigration has given rise on many occasions to overcrowding and other allied social problems. Your
Sanitary Inspectors have made numerous visits in response to complaints which have reached this Department in
this connection. It was due to the tact and patience of your Sanitary Inspectors, coupled with the help and forebearance
of the Paddington residents and the coloured British immigrants, that many of these problems were solved.
In conclusion may I express my gratitude for the help and co-operation I have received from 'the Public Health
Committee, the Chief Officers of the Council, and especially to all the staff of the Public Health Department.
I have the honour to be
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient seivant,
Medical Officer of Health.