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Public health laboratory
Full use was made of the facilities available at the Medical Research Council Public
Health Laboratory at the County Hall and the close liaison which is possible with the
staff of the laboratory has proved of great value.

The 20 positive samples were obtained from milk sent by 12 farmers, ten supplying
ordinary and two accredited milk. As a result of investigations by the Ministry of
Agriculture and Fisheries into the origin of positive samples in 12 herds, ten tuberculous
cows from seven herds were slaughtered under the provisions of the Tuberculosis
Order, 1938. The source of infection in one herd was assumed to be a cow disposed of
before investigation into the origin of the positive samples was complete, and investigation
was still proceeding at the end of the year into three other herds, including one
from which a cow had already been slaughtered. All the raw milk from which positive
samples were obtained had been pasteurised before sale to the public.
Dried milk
Samples of dried milk powder taken for analysis totalled 88 and of these 18 contained
more than 100,000 organisms per gram, and staphylococci aureus were isolated in three
samples.
Disinfestation
Sanitary inspection
Reports of 153 instances of infestation were received from establishments controlled
by the Council, e.g., school meals centres, schools, welfare establishments and parks.
Infestation by rats, mice, pigeons, cockroaches, bugs, ants, silver fish, flour and clothes
moths, furniture beetles, clover mites, plaster beetles, wasps, hornets and flies were
dealt with and the control measures carried out have proved effective. Talks on the most
effective measures for controlling and eliminating pests were given to volunteer squads
of the London Fire Brigade.
School meals
More than 700 visits of inspection were made to school meals centres and 30 reports
of illness following the consumption of school meals were investigated. In no instance
could the cause of the illness be confirmed as due to the food.
Welfare
establishments
Complaints
Regular inspections relating to hygenic conditions were made at least once a quarter
of 75 homes, hostels and other welfare establishments.
A large number of complaints of insanitary conditions was received from residents
in London and referred to the health departments in the appropriate Metropolitan
Boroughs.
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