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46
practice of the Board of Trade to ascertain the views of the Fisheries
Committee before coming to a decision on applications for consent to
construct sewage outfall. The Board of Trade have in several instances
refused consent, on the representation of the Fisheries Committee, that
such construction would damage shellfish in the neighbourhood, and it
is now recommended that the Board of Trade discontinue the practice of
consulting the Fisheries Committee in such cases, as both the Rivers
Board and the Local Government Board will have skilled advice on these
matters.
FOREIGN SHELLFISH.
In connection with foreign shellfish, an opinion is expressed that it
would be sufficient precaution to require a guarantee on the part of each
Government concerned that—
"All oysters or other shellfish imported into this country for
"human consumption have been procured from locations where they
"were not liable to be contaminated by sewage or other objectionable
"filth."
It is also proposed that foreign Governments be requested to grant
facilities for a representative of the British Central Authority to inspect
layings, pits, &c., abroad from which shellfish are imported. (This
latter suggestion is good as far as it goes, but it would be an additional
security to the English consumer if authority to collect samples at such
visits were also granted.) Failing such guarantee or permission, they
advise that imported shellfish should be deposited, for not less than six
weeks before being placed on the market, in registered layings or nonprohibited
areas in this country.
The bacteriological aspect of the question in its relation to sewagepolluted
shellfish is discussed at some length, and the Commission
conclude with the admission that they accept the very general view that
"the results of bacteriological examinations must be interpreted in the
"light of topographical observations."
The publication of this Report has happily at length brought the
whole subject of sewage-polluted shellfish to an issue, and the opinion so
often expressed by your Medical Officer of Health that legislation is
imperative is fully endorsed by the Commission.
It further lays stress upon the importance of beginning with the
question of shellfish, and leaving that of sewage to a later date, when
more knowledge has been obtained as to the value of the different
methods of dealing therewith.
It is sufficiently obvious that the solution of the sewage question is one
which is still a long way off, if, indeed, it is ever practically attainable.