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The extent to which this class of trade is carried on appeared to the Public Health
Committee to justify approaching other Metropolitan Boroughs with a view to a Conference
on the subject.
FOOD CONFERENCE IN ISLINGTON.
A Conference of Representatives of Metropolitan Borough Councils was held at the
Islington Town Hall on the 18th July to consider the question of the sale of unsound fruit,
vegetables, tinned foodstuffs, etc., by wholesalers to retailers and the subsequent sale to the
public. The Conference was well attended, and the following resolution was adopted:
"That the attention of the Minister of Health be drawn to the necessity of the law relating
to the sale of unsound food being amended by the addition of the following words at the end
of Section 47, Subsection 3 of the London Public Health Act 1891, 'and had taken reasonable
steps to ascertain that the article was not in such a condition as to be liable to be seized and
condemned under this section.'" It was also resolved that the Minister of Health be asked
to receive a deputation from the Conference in support of the resolution. This deputation
was received on the 7th December, and the reply of the Minister on the 15th February,
1923, was to the effect that the Minister was not satisfied that the difficulties were such as to
make an amendment of the law necessary. It appeared that the imposition of a universal
obligation to sort the contents of packages of perishable goods before selling would be to
limit supplies and increase prices, even in the case of sound articles. The subject was
considered one in which efficient administration of the existing law would more likely produce
satisfactory results than new legislation.
INFLATION OF MEAT.
The question of the artificial inflation of meat was before the Public Health
Committee, the Meat Inspector having detected an instance of inflation by the mouth. At
their request, the Ministry of Health were written on the subject, and the following reply
was received:
Ministry of Health,
Whitehall, S.W. 1,
5th October, 1922.
Sir,
In reply to your letter on the subject of the inflation of carcases, I am directed
by the Ministry of Health to state that this question has from time to time been under
the consideration of the Local Government Board and this Ministry. The inflation
of carcases is prohibited, either absolutely or unless effected by mechanical means,
by the local Acts of several local authorities, but there is no general legislation making
the practice illegal. The matter has, however, been noted for consideration in the
event of a Bill being introduced into Parliament for the amendment of the Public
Health Acts.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Signal) D. Maclean.
The Medical Officer of Health,
Metropolitan Borough of Islington.
It was decided to request the London County Council to include in their next General
Powers Bill proposals prohibiting the inflation of meat or fish by mechanical means or
otherwise.