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tion of a Guild of Hygiene. This procedure is working well
in Guildford, and has been tentatively adopted by several
districts in Greater London. The difficulties are obvious but,
with the co-operation of the Chamber of Commerce and the
active interest of the Public Health Committee, prospects of
success are favourable. It would at least appear worth while
to investigate the possibilities.
(b) The Central Council for Health Education is at present
considering the advisability of drawing up National Codes of
Practice for food handlers. These Codes of Practice are intended
for voluntary adoption by the more enlightened
members of the different trades, and should go far towards
effecting much-needed improvement. If and when these Codes
of Practice are prepared, their adoption could be incorporated
into any Guild of Hygiene set up in Southgate.
(c) Close liaison must be maintained with all proprietors and
staffs of cafes and canteens, so that they continue to look
upon us as friends and advisers, rather than as instruments
of an outside supervisory body. This attitude is essential to
the success of any long-term policy.
(d) Talks and demonstrations on food hygiene will have to be
continued so that the interest of the individuals concerned is
maintained and opportunities taken to bring' new developments
and improvements to their notice.
(e) Close contact with the School Health Service and the
Area Health Committee should be maintained.
As 1 have already indicated, our long-term policy may have to
be changed in the light of experience. Its adoption and operation
will necessarily depend upon the success of the efforts which we
make within the next six months. 1 therefore propose to report
further to the Public Health Committee towards the end of the
Autumn, when the position and needs of the Borough can be more
accurately assessed. W.C. HARVEY
Medical Officer of Health.
All the various points set out under the heading of the
immediate short-term policy have already been implemented. So
far as the long-term policy is concerned, it is hoped that a Guild
of Hygiene will shortly be formed, with the active co-operation
of the local Chamber of Commerce. The Public Health Committee
has been keenly interested in the possibility of such a development,
which will be made the subject of a special report during 1949.
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