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In this case it was possible to complete the matter in less
than 48 hours, and there is a code of practice between the
Ministry and the Society of Port Medical Officers that when
standards of contamination with poisonous metals are exceeded
it is a matter of public safety that such contaminated foodstuffs
should not be allowed to enter the market without treatment
to prevent danger, or destruction if it is not possible to render
the food in question harmless.
PORT HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
Consequent upon the Government's acceptance of the
recommendations of the First Report of the Local Government
Manpower Committee the Ministry of Health revised the
Regulations of 14th July, 1920, under which grant in aid of
expenditure incurred by Port and Riparian Health Authorities
on Port Health Administration and reimbursement of the
expenditure of such Authorities in connection with the medical
inspection of aliens has hitherto been made. The revised
conditions of grant, as approved by H.M. Treasury in consultation
with the Association of Sea and Airport Health
Authorities, became operative from 1st April, 1950.
PORT OF LONDON AUTHORITY
In November the Minister of Food stated that he had been
requested by the Port of London Health Authority to consider
the assignment to that Authority under Section 76 of the Food
and Drugs Act, 1938, and Section 6 of the Public Health
(London) Act, 1936, of certain functions, rights and liabilities
of a local authority or Food and Drugs authority.
The Port of London Health Authority is concerned with the
administration of the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, in relation
to the supervision of foodstuffs sold or offered for sale in the
canteens and establishments throughout the Port, and also on
pleasure boats plying the Thames.
Theoretically the 1938 Act is administered by each of the
riparian authorities concerned, but in practice the necessary
rights of entry and inspection have been exercised by the Port
Health Authority with the tacit consent of the riparian
authorities. This arrangement has worked satisfactorily, but
it cannot operate, for example, to the extent of making byelaws
under Section 15 of the Act, and technically the Authority is
unable to enter any premises or board any river craft for the
inspection, sampling or condemnation of food.
The Port Health Authority, therefore, suggested that the
Minister of Health should make an Order assigning to them
certain of the functions, rights and liabilities of a local
authority and of a Food and Drugs Authority under the Food
and Drugs Act, 1938, for this purpose.