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6
Finally, reference must be made to the need of placing legislation as regards inspection of foodstuffs
upon a more satisfactory basis. At the present time section 47 of the Public Health (London) Act,
1891, contains the law on the subject, but it is notorious that the course of a health authority taking
proceedings under the section is beset with difficulties. The section does not even adequately equip
the authority for dealing with unsound food sold by retail at ordinary shop premises: it readily admits
of being evaded in cases in which it is sought to apply it to unsound food in transit by water, road or
rail, or in the hands of wholesale dealers or middlemen, at railway stations or on dock or warehouse
premises. The fact that the Port Sanitary Authority has not secured a single conviction speaks for itself.
W. H. Hamer.
Public Health Department,
8, St. Martin's Place, W.C.