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Subsequent events have, moreover, shown that, in some instances, the
above-quoted resolution appeared in no way to affect the action of the signatories
in taking steps to prevent the sale of sewage-contaminated shellfish.
In January, 1903, the whole matter was referred to a Joint Committee of
the Sanitary and Port Sanitary Committees, who, after careful consideration,
resolved, inter alia, that:—
"(1) A communication be addressed to the Local Government Board
"identical with that agreed to by the Court on the 29th January, on
"the recommendation of the Sanitary Committee, urging legislation on
"the lines suggested in the Report of the Medical Officer of Health for
"the protection of the public against danger arising from the consump"tion
of unwholesome oysters and other shellfish.
"(2) That, for reasons given in the Report, the Joint Committee be
"dissolved, and the enquiry in regard to the pollution of the Thames
"Estuary by sewage be continued by the Port of London Sanitary
"Committee, leaving the Sanitary Committee to take such further action
"as they may be advised under the City of London Sewers Act, the
"Public Health (London) Act, 1891, &c., &c., to prevent the consump"tion
of unwholesome oysters and other shellfish, both Committees
"reporting from time to time to the Court as may be necessary."
These resolutions were agreed to by the Court of Common Council on the
26th February, 1903.
This Joint Committee was reconstituted on the 28th January, 1904, when
your Medical Officer of Health's notes on the Fourth Report of the Royal
Commission on Sewage Treatment and Disposal were considered.
The following are the notes referred to:—
POLLUTION OF TIDAL WATERS AND CONTAMINATION
OF SHELLFISH.
NOTES on the Fourth Report of the Royal Commission on Sewage
Treatment and Disposal.
The Fourth Report of the Royal Commission on Sewage Treatment
and Disposal, dated 28th December, has recently been issued. It is of
special interest at the present time, as it deals particularly with the
contamination of shellfish in tidal waters by the discharge of sewage
therein.