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The question of compensation is one that should receive careful consideration, and
due regard being had to public health interests, it would not seem possible or politic to
ignore the demands in the case of animals clinically healthy, but which are found
after slaughter to be affected with tuberculosis. No compensation should, however, be
paid if it can be shown that the owner has been responsible for the disease by neglect
with regard to breeding, feeding or housing of the animals in question.
Compensation should be given for a limited time only, say three years. During
that time the farmer will be able to take steps to eradicate the disease from his herd.
At the expiration of this term, the possession of a cow in a milking herd in an advanced
stage of consumption should be a statutory offence.
Whatever compensation is agreed upon, it should be paid out of national and
not local funds.
It is satisfactory to note that the findings of the Royal Commission amply confirm
the results published from time to time by your Officers, and fully endorse the action
taken by the Corporation in connection therewith.
CONFERENCE ON MATTERS RELATING TO PUBLIC HEALTH.
In July, 1904, a Conference was convened by the London County Council with
the object of affording Metropolitan Borough Councils an opportunity of exchanging
views as to the results of the experience gained in the administration of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1891, and of discussing any general principles which it might
appear to be desirable to adopt with a view to the provisions of the Act being equally
and uniformly enforced throughout the Metropolis. The beneficial results attending
the holding of this Conference suggested the advisability, after a period of nearly seven
years, of convening another with a view to discussing the many and diverse matters of
public health interests which have arisen since the previous meeting.
A Conference of the Representatives of the London Sanitary Authorities was
accordingly held at the County Hall, Spring Gardens, S.W., on Thursday, the
6th April last, the City being represented by the Chairman of the Sanitary Committee
(the Rev. Percival Clementi-Smith, M.A.), the Town Clerk, and the Medical Officer of
Health, when, after discussion, the following Resolutions were passed:—
"Houses Let in Lodgings. That the efficient administration of Section 95 of the
"Public Health (London) Act, 1891, relating to the registration and regulation of
"houses let in lodgings is a matter of extreme importance to the public health of
"London."
"Pulmonary Tuberculosis. (A). That the principle of compulsory notification
"sho uld be extended to all cases of pulmonary tuberculosis.
"(B). That the establishment of tuberculosis dispensaries throughout London
"is urgently required."
"Measles. (4). (1). That a better organisation is desirable in London for the
" control of measles in schools.
"(2). That during a serious outbreak of measles children under five years of
"age should be excluded from school attendance.
"(3). That compulsory notification of measles is desirable.
"(4). That the cleansing of the infants' departments and of the furniture,
"lower walls and floors thereof, shall take place once a week.