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137
as under the existing provisions of the Public Health (London)
Act, 1891, the Medical Officer of Health would first have to
obtain an order of a Justice having jurisdiction in the place
where the dairy was situate to inspect the dairy, and if then of
opinion that any infectious disease was caused from consumption
of the milk supplied would report the same to the Sanitary
Authority, who would have to serve on the dairyman not less
than 24 hours' notice to appear before them to show cause why
an order should not be made requiring him not to supply any
milk therefrom within the district until the order had been
withdrawn.
This Council are of opinion that in view of the danger of the
spread of infection whilst these proceedings are being taken it
it very desirable, in the interests of the public health, that
greater faculties should be given to Sanitary Authorities in order
that the supply of milk from any dairy within or without their
district may be stopped where there was reason to believe that
the consumption of such milk would be likely to cause any
infectious disease, and they suggest that the powers given to
Sanitary Authorities under Section 71 of the Public Health
(London) Act, 1891, would be of greater value if an order to
inspect the dairy, and where necessary for the cessation of the
supply of milk, were made by a Magistrate presiding in the
district in which the milk was distributed.
In accordance with the directions of this Council I have
addressed a communication to the Local Government Board
urging that they will be good enough to consider the matter
with a view to steps being taken to promote legislation for