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Public control
Under the Fertiliser and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1926, for which the Scientific Adviser is
the Official Agricultural Analyst to the County, of the 83 samples examined, 20 varied
in some way from the Statutory Statements or Voluntary Warranties given by the
vendors, but only in three cases were the variations to the disadvantage of the purchaser.
Many samples were examined under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928, the
provisions of which govern licences for storage and safety precautions regarding
petroleum spirit and petroleum mixtures. Of these, 32 samples were found to come
within the provisions of the Act. Visits of inspection were made to premises using
inflammable solvent in licensed processes to ensure that the content of petroleum
vapour did not exceed the limit prescribed for safety. Advice was sought in several
instances on premises and processes employed to which the London Building Acts
1930-39 applied. The means of escape clause and the danger of fire and/or explosion
are matters frequently requiring scientific consideration. The officers of the branch
were also concerned with the Bread Order, S.I. 1283/1953 (revoked in September 1956),
the Prepacked Food Order, 1950, the London County Council (Celluloid, etc.) Act,
1915, etc.
Parks
Although some work was done for this department on fertilisers, soils and other matters
of horticultural interest, the major item related to the open-air swimming baths provided
for public use. The Council has under its control 15 open-air swimming baths and
21 indoor baths situated at various institutions. In conjunction with the officers of the
Chief Engineer's department, considerable research on the subject of control has been
done in the branch to ensure efficient water treatment and pleasant bathing. A careful
check is kept on the condition of the water by means of daily tests performed by bath
attendants and periodic visits by officers of the branch.
School meals, education and children's departments
The work done in co-operation with the School Meals and Catering Department was
continued and 58 meals were analysed for fat, protein, carbohydrate, mineral contents
and calorific value in order to ascertain that the standards aimed at were being provided
by the kitchens. The results showed a good approximation to the requirements of the
various nutritional factors for the age groups concerned. In addition to these examinations
various ingredients used for the meals were analysed.
Swimming bath waters and drinking waters at residential schools were examined
and the improvised treatment of the former worked well and will be continued until
authorisation by the appropriate Ministry for the expenditure for installing automatic
treatment plants is obtained.
Instructional visits of school parties to the County Hall continued and the application
of many branches of science directly to human needs and problems was demonstrated.
Supplies
The field of work for this department includes paints, fuels, lubricating oils, foods,
soaps, plastics, solders, chemicals, drugs and general medical supplies and more than
3,000 samples were examined during the year. Particularly close liaison was maintained
with officers of all branches of the Supplies Department and this facilitated discussions on
matters on which a scientific aspect could be helpful.
The foodstuffs, which are divided into 17 classes, were generally of a high standard
of quality and a careful watch on contamination from the container, preservatives and
general adulteration was maintained. All complaints on these and other purchases are
carefully investigated, new preparations assessed for potential value to the Council and
tenders assessed to ensure that the cheapest satisfactory material is recommended.
Careful attention is given to the development of synthetic detergents and new types
are examined when they become commercially available.
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