London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Leyton 1962

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Leyton]

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and chip shop which, upon examination, was found to be fried cod. The defendant was
found guilty and fined £10, with £3.3s.0d. costs being awarded to the Council. The
remaining adverse samples were dealt with by the Public Health Committee, either by
warning letter to the retailer or representations to the manufacturer concerned.
1962 saw the introduction of new legislation of importance to Food and Drugs
authorities dealing with preservatives in foodstuffs. This was the Preservatives in
Food Regulations, 1962, which came into effect on the 26th July and which replace the
original regulations which had been in use for almost forty years. The new regulations
reflect the changes in methods of food processing of recent years, and permitted
preservatives now include sodium and potassium nitrate and nitrite, sorbic acid," propionic
acid, methyl and propyl, parahydroxybenzoate and orthophenylphenol, as well as the
more familiar sulphur dioxide and benzoic acid previously allowed in the old regulations.
Preservatives which up until now have been excluded are now permitted in a large number
of foods, many of which are major items in the national diet, such as bread and flour
confectionery, flour for biscuits, cheese, as well as in fresh fruit, sauce, and soft
drinks, etc. already permitted. This will necessitate increased sampling and analysis
to ensure that the requirements of the new regulations are not contravened.
AIR POLLUTION - SMOKE CONTROL AREAS
Leyton's second Smoke Control Order, covering 163 acres, came into operation on
the 1st October, 1962, whilst the Order affecting Leyton's third area was made by the
Council in June, 1962, and submitted to the Minister for confirmation.
These areas, and that covered by the first Smoke Control Order, together cover
some 800 acres, affect over 5,000 dwellings, some 300 commercial and industrial premises,
and occupy the whole of the south-western border of the Borough. They adjoin similar
Smoke Control areas in Hackney.
As with the first area, considerable publicity has been given to the implications
of the second Smoke Control Order - extensive use of exhibition material at the
Council's shop at 280 High Road, E. 10., mobile exhibitions, the distribution of informative
literature, and the co-operation of the local press have ensured that both owners
and occupiers of affected premises are aware of their obligations and the financial
aid available in the form of grants. The result has been gratifying, in that 574
applications have so far been approved by the Council, comprising some 760 fireplace
adaptations.
Most of the claims for payment of grant in respect of the No.1 Smoke Control Area
have now been paid, and the total cost of such fireplace adaptations amounts to
£9,540.5s.7d. This cost is met by owners and occupiers, Leyton Council, and the
Exchequer in the following proportions:-

The Leyton (No.1) Smoke Control Order

£.s.d.
Owners or occupiers2,71476
Leyton Borough Council3,009159
Exchequer Contribution3,81624
£9,54057

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