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47
If the remedial measures referred to in these notes are entered on the
Statute Book, much, if not all, the evil due to polluted shellfish will cease
to exist. They should therefore receive the active support of the
Corporation, but with one reservation, however, viz.:—
That the Authority for the Thames should be the Corporation of
London as Port Sanitary Authority so far as their jurisdiction over
the River now extends.
There are many reasons why the Corporation should be the Authority
within the limits of the Port:—
(i.) The Corporation was practically the first Authority to raise
the importance of protecting the public health from the danger of
polluted shellfish.
(ii.) The Corporation has already the staff of Medical Officers,
Chemists, Bacteriologist and Inspectors, together with the requisite
Launches and other appliances.
(iii.) The work of the Port Sanitary Authority has, since 1873,
been undertaken by the Corporation at very considerable expense
entirely out of the City's Cash, and at 110 charge to the ratepayers.
(iv.) So far back as 1897 the Corporation expressed their willingness
to undertake at their own expense the duty of supervision of
all shellfish, within the limits of the Port of London, if legal powers
were granted for the purpose.