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Milk (Mothers and Children) Scheme.— During 1934 there has been no change
.1 the methods adopted in relation to the supply of milk to mothers and children.
5p to 31st March, 1935, the amount expended was £938 3s. 6d., as against
£921 8s. 7d. in the year ended 31st March, 1934. The actual number of cases
dealt with was 362, and the number of orders issued 2,262, which were slightly
smaller figures than those for 1933, when the cases numbered 392 and the orders
2,283.
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 1934 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
Councillor Mrs. 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.
Milk for School Children Scheme.—During the year (on 1st October, 1934)
the scheme for the provision of milk to school children under the auspices of the
Milk Marketing Board came into operation. Following consultation with officers
of the London County Council and Public Health and Education Departments, the
lines to be followed were arranged and incidentally it was agreed that preference
should be given to pasteurised milk and that samples for examination should be
taken from time to time. It was largely on account of this that the increase in the
number of applications for licences to deal in pasteurised milk were received. Up
to the end of the year, up to the present indeed, the scheme has worked with
absolute smoothness and doubtless greatly to the benefit of the children taking
advantage of the provision. In no case has it been necessary to report adversely
with regard to any firm supplying milk or as to the quality of any milk supplied.
B.—FOODS OTHER THAN MILK.
The main duties in relation to food protection generally in 1934, 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 the
closest attention. During 1934, 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.