View report page

133
and two instances of generalised tuberculosis were found. Arrangements were
made with the farmer for the disposal of these animals. It was ascertained that one
cow suspected to be suffering from tuberculosis had been slaughtered prior to the
inspector's visit. Twenty samples of milk have been taken from cows at the Council's
mental hosp tals. All these samples were found, on bacteriological examination,
to yield a negative result.
During 1923 four inspections were made of the cows in London cowsheds,
and the total number of examinations made was 6,197. No case of generalised
tuberculosis was detected, but in 81 cases other unhealthy conditions were
found.
Section 24 (1) of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1907, empowers
the county medical officer of health or any person authorised by him to
take samples of milk produced or sold or intended for sale within the county. Section
24 (2) of the Act provides that the Council may, if in its discretion it thinks fit, by
resolution authorise any sanitary authority to exercise in substitution for the medical
officer so much of the powers of section (1) of this Section as will enable such sanitary
authority, through its medical officer or any person authorised by him, to take
within its district samples of milk for examination by the Council and may by such
resolution prescribe the period during which and the conditions subject to which
such authorisation shall take effect. A proposal having been submitted by a
metropolitan borough council that the Council should exercise its powers under the
latter section of the Act referred to, the Council, on 29th July, 1924, decided that
no useful purpose would be served by such an alteration in the existing arrangements.
By-laws as to
drains, etc.
The drainage by-laws made by the Council in 1900 under section 202 of the
Metropolis Management Act, 1855, restricted the materials of soil and ventilating
pipes within buildings to drawn lead only. From time to time representations have
been made with a view to the relaxation of this requirement, and after careful consideration
the Council on 23rd October, 1923, made amending by-laws allowing
such p pes to be constructed of heavy cast-iron as well as of drawn lead. The
amending by-laws have been confirmed by the Minister of Health.
Appeal
Committee.
The Appeal Committee are the statutory appeal committee under the Metropolis
Management Act, 1855, section 212. The Committee also hear and decide all appeals
made to the Council under any other Act of Parliament (except appeals under section
20 (5) of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, against decisions of the Public
Health Committee). The one appeal heard during the year 1924 was dismissed.
Health
administration
in
London.
Details are given in the Annual Report for 1921 (vol. III., p. 67) of the Council's
action with regard to the organisation of health administration in London. In
accordance with the decision of the Council on 29th November, 1921, and 16th
January, 1922, evidence relating to public health services was given before the
Royal Commission on London Government on the lines of the report submitted
to the Council on 19th December, 1919, by the Special Committee on Health Administration
in London* (see Annual Report, 1921, vol. I., pp. 34-36 ; and 1922,
vol. I., pp. 46-52). The Report of the Royal Commission was issued in March,
1923, (see vol. I., pp. 46-7).
* Report of the Special Committee on Health Administration in London. No. 2000. Price 3d.