View report page

54
hanging meat, particularly meat in joint form, and for a place to contain articles of driving
or wearing apparel, which for reasons of safety are frequently found deposited inside a vehicle
and in close proximity to meat, while the persons in charge are in attendance at the market.
Several instances of want of cleanliness have been found which were due to the fact
that another commodity had been carried in the vehicle immediately prior to a consignment
of meat, and the absence of facilities for adequate cleansing. The provision of
special lining and covering sheets is a somewhat makeshift arrangement, and necessitates
the exercise of constant care in order to preserve an adequate standard of cleanliness. A
more effectual method would be for all meat which is carried in vehicles used also for
general transport work to be properly wrapped in a stout covering material.
(b) Overall Clothing.—This question presented, perhaps, the greatest problem of the
year. The observance of the Regulations in this respect at Smithfield and elsewhere is
neither uniform nor entirely satisfactory. Careful attention has been given to the matter,
and it would appear that a strict enforcement of the requirements would cause hardship
in many cases, and particularly to licensed porters and others casually employed. It has
been thought desirable, therefore, to consider whether a co-operative scheme could be
established under which the necessary clean overall clothing could be supplied and
maintained.
An arrangement of this kind would secure a degree of uniformity which it is not possible
to obtain under present circumstances, and it would enable closer supervision to be exercised
in this essential matter. Details of a scheme are at present under consideration.
Administrative, Action.—The administrative methods adopted at the commencement
of the Regulations have been continued throughout the year. Except in the case of particularly
gross offences, a caution has been given in respect of the first infringement. In order
to ensure that all the requirements were made known, and to prevent as far as possible
subsequent contraventions, copies of Part VI. of the Regulations, relating to the transport
and handling of meat, were sent with each caution. During the year 405 letters of caution
and 299 copies of Regulations were sent out.
In numerous instances where methods were at fault, interviews were arranged with
proprietors and employers, and satisfactory improvements were secured without the necessity
of legal proceedings. It was found necessary, however, to issue 80 summonses during the
year, and the penalties imposed totalled £138 7s. 6d., with £7 1s. 6d. costs.
The Regulations are educational in character, and until the principles involved are
observed spontaneously constant supervision will be necessary.