View report page

44
WRAPPING OF FOOD STUFFS.
From time to time local authorities have given consideration to the possible danger
to public health associated with the delivery of bread to customers' houses unprotected by
suitable wrappings and of other food stuffs wrapped in newspaper or similar waste paper,
and a number of representations have been made with the object of securing statutory powers
to control these practices.
During 1932, the council of one of the larger residential metropolitan boroughs expressed
the opinion that it should be compulsory to wrap bread before delivery and that newspapers
or waste paper should not be used for the wrapping of food stuffs of any description, and the
Corporation were asked to support this view, and the subsequent application to the London
County Council for the inclusion of appropriate clauses in the next General Powers Bill.
Although the City Corporation is not directly interested to anything like the same extent
in a practice which is very common in the more thickly-populated and poorer metropolitan
area, they were of opinion that the suggested powers were desirable and had no hesitation
in offering the support asked for.
PUBLIC HEALTH (MEAT) REGULATIONS, 1924.
The above Regulations continue to require constant administration on the part of my
department to ensure due obedience and compliance in the various businesses concerned
situated within the City of London.
Smithfield Market.—I am pleased to be able to report that the improvements of last
year have been maintained, and this market is now nearing that standard of cleanliness
aimed at with regard to the handling and transport of meat.
Leadenhall Market.—The shops are clean and well kept, and this condition is greatly
encouraged by a Local Traders' Association, of which the majority of the shopkeepers are
members. Periodical cleansing is carried out by the Corporation.
Aldgate Market.—A marked improvement ; a new shop has been erected on modern
lines, which should, in emulation, improve the few shops now remaining.
Market Carriers.— There is an increase in the number of offences under this heading in
respect of dirty vehicles and the use of dirty cloths for the covering of meat. I am unable
to give any reason for this increase but carelessness on the part of the owner-drivers of these
vehicles ; in practically every case it was found the vehicle was used for such other purposes
as the transport of printing machines, furniture, etc., when not engaged in carrying meat.
Market Porters.—No legal proceedings have been taken against the licensed market
porters during the year 1932 ; this indicates that the co-operation of this body, which is
essential, has now been obtained.
Multiple Butchers.—The marked decrease in the number of prosecutions under this
heading is due to the increased number of modern, hygienic vehicles now placed upon the
market ; these vehicles, though costly, should repay the firms, owing to their clean appeal
to the consuming public.
Small Butchers.—The decline in the number of summonses issued under this heading,
though not great, shows an improvement over 1930. Considerable supervision is still
necessary with regard to the degree of cleanliness of the vehicles attending the market, and
it is still found that once-a-week washing is considered adequate by some of the butchers.
Street Butchers.—No proceedings have been taken against this class of trader during
the past year, the small number attending the market having complied with the conditions
for clean conveyance through the streets on barrows.
Private Cars.—The number of private cars in use for the conveyance of meat has increased
It has been observed that the conditions set out in an instruction dealing with private cars
have been complied with in the majority of cases.