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74
FOOD AND DRUGS.
In February, 1925, I reported to the Public Health and Housing
Committee that, after giving full consideration to the Public Health
(Meat) Regulations, 1924, I was of opinion that the time had arrived
when the duties appertaining to Meat and Food generally should be
placed in the hands of particular inspectors. I suggested dividing the
Borough into two areas and relieving the District Sanitary Inspectors
of all work under the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, and all orders and
regulations regarding meat and foods. The Council on 23rd April,
1925, approved of this arrangement and appointed Messrs. C. A.
Grabham and H. A. Pearce (who had previously been appointed as
Housing Inspectors) to be Meat and Food Inspectors, also Mr. F. A.
Smith to ast as deputy when required, for the time being. This new
arrangement came into effect on 2nd June, 1925, and I am sure the
administration of the Food and Drugs Acts has been more efficient,
if only from the fact that as the work is in the hands of only two men
it is possible to obtain a more intimate knowledge of what is actually
going on and act accordingly.
The Ministry of Health has authorised the use cf a mark for stamping
carcases after examination by the Medical Officer of Health and the
two Meat Inspectors. This marking is only carried out when desired
by the butcher, and the Council has agreed to make a charge of a shilling
for each carcass or part of a carcass marked. No carcases have been
marked during the year.
The amount of work done under the Public Health (Meat) Regulalations,
1924, has been very considerable, and the appointment of the
Food Inspectors has been fully justified. Opposition to the screening
of stalls was, at first, very great, but gradually the traders are
becoming more and more amenable to the requirements of the
regulations.