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In each case in which a result not entirely satisfactory was obtained communications
were sent to the Local Authority of the district in which the milk was
produced in order that an investigation might be carried out locally. On all
occasions the greatest willingness to co-operate was shown by the officers of these
authorities, and it is safe to claim that definite improvements have followed the
taking of action on these lines.
In addition to these samples, 38 of certified milk were taken and submitted
to Dr. Foulerton for examination. The reports were almost invariably satisfactory
and, in accordance with the usual arrangement, were forwarded to the Ministry of
Health.
Dairies, Milkshops, etc.—Frequent inspections of milk premises were made
with the object of discovering whether or not the requirements of the regulations
as to cleanliness, etc., under the Milk and Dairies Order, 1926, were being complied
with. In no case was it necessary to take action.
The Milk (Special Designations) Order, 1923.—Under this Order 47 applications
were received from 12 dealers in the Borough for licences to sell milk as
" Certified " Milk, Grade " A " Tuberculin Tested Milk, or "Pasteurised"
Milk. As the milk in each case was obtained from a producer licensed under the
Order and the premises of the applicants were found to be satisfactory, licences
were granted as appropriate, the numbers being 11 in respect of "Certified"
Milk, 12 for Grade "A" Tuberculin Tested Milk, 21 "Pasteurised" Milk, 1
Grade "A," 1 Grade " A "Bottlers, and 1 Pasteurising Licence. In accordance
with the instructions of the Ministry 38 samples were taken during the year and
submitted to the Council's Bacteriologist, Dr. A. J. R. Foulerton. Copies of the
reports were duly forwarded to the Ministry.
Milk (Mothers and Children) Scheme.—Since 1925, there has been practically
no change in the methods adopted in relation to the supply of milk to mothers and
children. Up to 31st March, 1931, the amount expended was £314 7s. lid., as
against £357 5s. 9d. in the year ended 31st March, 1926. The actual number of
cases dealt with was 234, and the number of orders issued 1,116, which were
larger figures than those for 1925, when the cases numbered 220 and the orders
1,051.
The number of instances in which the supply was granted absolutely free,
having regard to the total number of cases and circumstances generally, is comparatively
small. The amount contributed in individual cases varies considerably,
but from the very beginning what the amount should be has always been very
carefully assessed, the size of the family and the family earnings and circumstances
being taken into consideration. In every case formal application is required to
be made by the individual whether recommended by the Medical Officer of a
consultation or seeking assistance personally.
Following receipt of the application, enquiries are made by the Health Visitors
and on their report and the information provided in the application, assessment is
made by the Medical Officer of Health.
The period for which the grant is made varies, but is usually four weeks, and
at the end of this period the case is again considered and alterations made in the
amount ordered, and the contribution charged if necessary.
The system, it may be said, has worked with absolute smoothness and has
done a very great deal of good. Here and there an individual not quite deserving
may have received assistance, but on the whole the efforts of the officers to make
a just assessment have been helped rather than hindered.
FOODS OTHER THAN MILK.
Though there have been certain changes and advances in connection with
legislation since 1925, The Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act, 1928, for example,
having replaced the cumbersome collection of Sale of Food and Drugs Acts,
administrative procedure has altered little, if at all.