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in the case of Pork 65 per cent., and Beef 50 per cent. Notwithstanding
the difficulty of establishing a standard the Council decided to
prosecute.
The Stratford bench considered evidence and arguments at
length.
The suppliers were convicted and fined £2 on each of four
summonses. Costs of £5 5s. 0d. were imposed. The prosecution was
resisted strenuously by the trade.
Following the prosecution the Council requested the Minister of
Food to re-impose standards of meat-content.
2. Eldermint Life Drops
Upon examination of the label it was found that contradictory
formulae were given. The sample was reported to contain 1.1%
Chloroform, contrary to both statements on the label.
The manufacturers withdrew the stocks of this preparation from
sale and labelled the bottles to conform with requirements.
MERCHANDISE MARKS ACT.
All the provisions of the various marking orders are now fully
operative and the following foodstuffs are required to be marked with
an indication of the country of origin on exposure for sale :—
Meat, bacon and ham, fresh apples, raw tomatoes, shell-eggs,
dried eggs, currants, sultanas, raisins, oat-products, honey,
frozen or chilled salmon or sea trout, butter, dead poultry.
There has been some difficulty in securing the co-operation of
local traders, particularly with relation to meat, apples and tomatoes.
Verbal notices have been given and written circular letters sent to
all affected traders.
HOUSING.
The acute shortage of accommodation continues as one of the
major problems affecting adversely the health of the families concerned.
There is close co-operation between the department and the
Re-housing Officer who is also the Chief Sanitary Inspector.
During the year the Council were at long last able to make a start
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