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"In conclusion, the Medical Officer expresses the opinion that 'it
would be desirable for some system to exist which would enable an
authority dealing with the whole county to secure, at their own expense,
the analysis of milk entering London, and there would be,' he thinks,
'further advantage if some system existed by which a central authority
could ensure that the Acts were administered on a sufficiently comprehensive
scale in each district.'
"We concur in this view, but before reporting to the Council as to
the steps which it would be desirable to take with the object of securing
an amendment of the law in the direction indicated, we should like an
expression of the Council's opinion on the subject. We therefore
recommend the Council to pass a resolution in the following terms:—
"That it is desirable that application should be made to Parliament
for powers to enable the Council, as the authority dealing with
the whole county, to secure, at its own expense, the analysis of
samples of milk arriving at railway stations in London and subsequently
distributed in the county, and that there would be
further advantage if some system existed by which the Council, as
the central authority, could ensure that the Sale of Food and Drugs
Acts should be administered on a sufficiently comprehensive
scale in each sanitary district within the county."
This view is not that taken by the Westminster City Council.
They are of opinion that the Local Government Board or the Board of
Agriculture is the proper central authority to see that these Acts are
enforced, and that local authorities should have power to take samples
of milk destined for distribution in their district at the point of arrival.
Cream.—In twenty-four out of the twenty-seven samples preservatives
were present in small quantities. Similar conditions existed in ten of
the forty-six ice-creams analysed.
Butter.—Thirteen samples sold as butter were not genuine. The
Board of Agriculture issued a circular to local authorities giving
directions as to the preservation and transmission of samples of butter
for analysis. The method recommended is that already carried out in
the City.
Tinned Peas. —Samples were taken of preserved peas and all were
found to contain sulphate of copper; three successful prosecutions
resulted in the case of those containing more than two grains per
pound. The Council thought it desirable to call the attention of
vendors of preserved peas to the matter, and sent the following
letter
"Preserved Peas.—The Westminster City Council recently instituted
summary proceedings against certain vendors of food stuffs in the City