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West Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Italy, Libya, Madeira. Mexico, Spain, Sweden,
and Zai re.
Before certificates are issued the foodstuffs destined for export are
examined and where necessary samples taken for analysis. Relevant investigation
is also made into the methods of production.
DISEASES OF ANIMALS
The Corporat ion of London, through its veterinary officers and inspectors
carried out on an agency basis duties imposed on the Council under the Diseases
of Animals Act, 1951 and Performing Animals Act 1925.
161 inspections were carried out during the year at poultry slaughterhouses
and a further 54 visits were made to premises with holdings for live
poultry, 25 pet shops received quarterly visits. In addition, regular visits
were made to street markets concerning the sale of poultry and the sale of pet
animals.
An employee of a pet shop was admitted to hospital suffering from
psittacosis and a full inspection of the premises was carried out. All birds
on the premises appeared to be healthy Other investigations were carried out in
the borough where the patient was resident.
An inspection was made of the premises of a firm concerned with the
sterilisation of imported horse meat for animal consumption. Conditions were
found to be satisfactory.
OFFICES, SHOPS AND RAILWAY PREMISES ACT, 1963
Registration
The total of registered premises has fallen from the figure of 3,197 for
the first year after the amalgamation of the former Metropolitan Boroughs of
Bethnal Green, Poplar and Stepney at 31st December 1966, to a total of 2,818 at
31st December, 1972.
This reduction is mainly due to the number of premises that have been
demolished as part of the housing programme It wi11 be instructive to note how
far the total adjusts as redevelopments take place, bearing in mind that the
small old convenient corner shop' that has been cleared, is often replaced
with a larger more complex unit on the shopping parade of a new estate.
Difficulty is still experienced in keeping an accurate check of newly opened
premises, and it is usually found necessary to give verbal and written requests
to occupiers before registration is effected.
Inspection
1,473 general inspections were made during the year and 347 subsequent
'follow up' visits. 580 informal notices were served.
Although these figures indicate that a 2 year cycle of general inspection
has been achieved, bad conditions are still found in some premises. Particular
difficulty in the enforcement of the Act is met in premises occupied by recent
immigrants to this country due to language and other factors. Occupiers,
however, are generally co-operative, and the threat of legal proceedings is
normally sufficient to enforce the carrying out of requirements where no ready
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