View report page

34
During the year, 56 informal notices were served on traders within the City for failure to mark
imported fruit with the country of origin, and in all cases the requirements of the notices were met.
Vending Machines
Vending machines automatically dispensing items of food for immediate consumption, and
offering a 24 hours service, were first installed around 1955, and this changed aspect of trading
brought problems in the preparation and packing of the foods offered for sale, in the maintenance of
correct temperatures for food storage within the machines, and in their cleaning and servicing.
It has been stated that between the years 1961 and 1966 the number of vending machines
dispensing food and drink in this country almost doubled in number to some 400,000.
The number of machines operating inside and outside premises in Westminster is unknown, but
from a preliminary survey, it is quite considerable. During the year, inspections have been made of
some 500 machines, dispensing wrapped and unwrapped food, drinks, milk etc. It was found that
in many of the machines inspected, the standard of hygiene maintained was unsatisfactory, and
informal action was taken to bring about immediate remedial measures. In some instances it was
found that the cleansing of the machines was the responsibility of a part-time employee.
The trade has been slow to adopt the Codes of Practice issued by the Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food, particularly the recommendation that records of servicing and cleaning should be
kept with the machine. These provisions are aimed at stimulating regular cleaning by enabling closer
supervision.
On new vending machines which are now being produced an 'inspection eye' is being provided
which will enable the internal condition of the machine to be viewed without the need to open it.
Poultry Processing Premises
There are no poultry processing premises in Westminster.
Slaughter of Animals
There are no slaughter houses in Westminster, but in the grounds of the Zoological Society of
London for many years there has been a knacker's yard, licensed by the Council, where slaughtering
takes place for animal feeding purposes. The necessary licence for this and for the slaughterman who
works there were renewed during the year.
Applications are also received from time to time from the Royal Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals for Slaughterman's Licences to be issued to probationary inspectors. Thirty one
(31) such licences were issued during the year; they are necessary in order that the inspectors
concerned can commence training as slaughtermen and receive from the Society practical training
and instruction in modern methods of humane slaughter.
Diseases of Animals Act 1950 and Other Acts Relating to Animals
Under an arrangement entered into in 1965 the Corporation of the City of London acts on an
agency basis on behalf of the Westminster City Council in connection with duties under the Diseases
of Animals, Riding Establishments, Performing Animals, Pet Animals, and Animal Boarding Establishments
Acts where veterinary services are involved. Veterinary officers of the Corporation of
London undertake routine inspection of animals in transit and inspections for licensing purposes
under the Riding Establishments Act, together with inspections specially requested by the Medical
Officer of Health of Westminster. All other necessary inspections are made by the public health
inspectors. The Corporation issues any notices and advertisements which may be required under these
Acts but licensing and registration of residents of premises in Westminster is undertaken by the City
Council.
Pharmacy and Poisons Acts 1933 and 1941
At the end of the year the names of 119 (144) traders were on the Council's lists of persons
entitled to sell poisons included in Part II of the poisons list, the number of premises concerned being
162(195).
Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials Act, 1951
Under the provisions of this Act various types of premises concerned with the upholstery trade