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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 10 in respect of "Certified"
Milk, 15 for Grade "A" Tuberculin Tested Milk, 22 "Pasteurised" Milk, and
2 Grade "A" (Pasteurised). In accordance with the instruction of the Ministry 18
samples were taken during the year and submitted to the Council's Bacteriologist.
Copies of the reports made were duly forwarded to the Ministry.
Milk (Mothers and Children) Scheme.— During 1933 there has been no change
in the methods adopted in relation to the supply of milk to mothers and children.
Up to 31st March, 1934, the amount expended was £921 8s. 7d., as against
£778 Is 2d. in the year ended 31st March, 1933. The actual number of cases
dealt with was 392, and the number of orders issued 2,283, which were larger
figures than those for 1932, when the cases numbered 388 and the orders 2,183.
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 1933 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 ol
Mrs. Councillor Harris, who has given most valuable help as representative of the
Maternity and Child Welfare 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 1933, 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 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.
Food Inspection.— The work of food inspection receives year by year adequate
attention. During 1933, as formerly, the special Saturday night and Sunday
inspections in market streets, etc., were made, and in carrying them out Inspector
Smith received the assistance of other members of the staff having the necessary
qualifications and experience.
On a great many occasions the inspector was called by vendors to examine
articles of food under Section 47 (8) of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, and
to accept surrender of such as were unsound or unwholesome or unfit for food.