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A sample of Cornish clotted cream was found to be not quite satisfactory and the containers
were inadequately labelled. The supplier was interviewed and the labelling corrected.
In each of these cases full details were forwarded to the Medical Officers of Health for the
districts where the cream was prepared and packed.
Two samples of sterilised cream were also examined and found satisfactory.
It has been agreed between your Bacteriologist and the Medical Officer of Health not to
continue with the application of the Methylene Blue Test to cream samples as the test is
unreliable for cream, but to substitute the plate count, and this has been done in respect of later
samples.
The average milk fat content of samples of cream submitted for analysis was, in respect of
double cream 50 per cent., and of sterilised cream 24 per cent., by weight.
Ice Cream.
The attention that has been paid to the production of ice-cream in recent years has resulted
in a much improved product and there has been a tendency in the City for more retailers to
obtain their supplies from reputable manufacturers, mostly in pre-packed form in which it is
sold to the consumer. There is only one manufacturer of ice-cream in the City of London.
Five samples were taken from his premises and unfortunately three were unsatisfactory. From
the temperature recording charts however, it appeared that he was not holding the mix at
160 degrees for the requisite ten minutes. He was severely cautioned on this and on matters
of cleanliness and the samples drawn thereafter proved satisfactory.
Eight new registrations of premises for the sale and storage of ice-cream were granted
during the year.
Butter.
Samples taken from a packing factory and submitted for analysis and for bacteriological
examination were reported as satisfactory.
Food Labelling.
No administrative action has been required during the year but a number of enquiries
have been received and advice given to enable compliance with the requirements of the
Labelling of Food Order, 1953.
Details of the formal and informal samples submitted for analysis and of the action taken
in regard to adulteration or other irregularity appear later in this report.
HOUSING.
The number of housing applications outstanding on 31st December, 1953, was 465, comprising
1,131 persons. The number of families rehoused during the year was 29. This figure
includes 13 families transferred within property under the Corporation's control.
Although the Corporation have only one housing estate actually within the City boundary,
they have provided a number of blocks in neighbouring Metropolitan Boroughs.
The housing under the control of the Public Health Committee comprises: —
1. In the City: —
201 tenement flats in 4 blocks—King's, Queen's, Prince's and North—erected in 1884.
Plans have been passed for complete interior reconstruction of these premises so as
to make self-contained flats with all modern conveniences.
24 Self-contained flats, without bathrooms—Bearsted House—erected in 1926.
16 ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, —-Dutton House—erected in 1928.
24 ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, —South Block—erected in 1884
structed in 1938/9).
2. In Stepney : —
49 Self-contained flats—Whitaker Buildings—erected in 1923.
76 ,, ,, ,, —Dron Buildings—erected in 1923.
Plans have been approved for modernising the flats in both these buildings.
3. In Shoreditch: —
104 self-contained flats—Windsor House—erected in 1926, which are quite good even
by modern standards.
4. In Lambeth: —
48 self-contained flats—Blake House—erected in 1921/2,
5. In Camberwell: —
48 self-contained flats—Avondale House—erected in 1921/2.
65 ,, ,, ,, —George Elliston House and Wilkins House—erected in 1952,
providing all modern amenities and conveniences.
6. In Islington: —
73 flats—Isleden House—-erected in 1948/9.
7. In City and Finsbury: —
340 modern self-contained flats under construction which may be extended to 580.
8. In Lewisham: —
Plans for the erection of 30 flats and 27 houses on a site on Sydenham Hill have been
approved.
The Corporation of the City of London have already provided housing accommodation for
728 families and have started or have in contemplation provision for a further 641.