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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 49 applications
were received from 15 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, 15 for Grade "A" Tuberculin Tested Milk, 23 "Pasteurised" Milk, and
1 Pasteurising Licence. In accordance with the instruction of the Ministry 25
samples were taken during the year and submitted to the Council's Bacteriologist.
Copies of the reports made were duly forwardd to the Ministry.
Milk (Mothers and Children) Scheme.—During 1932 there has been no change
in the methods adopted in relation to the supply of milk to mothers and children.
Up to 31st March, 1933, the amount expended was £778 Is. 2d., as against
£444 in the year ended 31st March, 1932. The actual number of cases dealt with
was 388, and the number of orders issued 2,183, which were larger figures than
those for 1931, when the cases numbered 295 and the orders 1,539.
The number of instances in which the supply was granted absolutely free,
having regard to the total number of cases and circumstances generally, though
comparatively small, on account of the economic situation, was larger in 1932 than
in previous years. 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 and of
Mrs. Councillor Harris, who has given most valuable help as representative of the
Public Health Committee, to make a just assessment have been helped rather than
hindered.
B.—FOODS OTHER THAN MILK.
The main duties in relation to food protection generally in 1932, as for some
years past, have been carried out by Inspector Smith, who made inspections of
premises in which food is sold, stored or prepared, and acted as Sampling Officer
under the Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act, 1928.
The Public Health (Meat) Regulations, 1925, continue to work smoothly so far
as the provisions relating to butchers' shops and to stalls and the slaughtering of
animals are concerned, the butchers endeavouring to comply as completely as
possible with the requirements. On the whole it may be claimed that as a result of
the operation of the regulations there has been real improvement so far as regards
exposure of meat, and that in the matter of protection from contamination
conditions are very much better than they were when the regulations came into
operation.