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These regulations came into operation on 1st October, 1912. They
contain important provisions, which, inter alia:—
(a) Prohibit entirely the sale of milk containing preservative; (b)
Regulate the sale of cream containing preservatives; and (c) Prohibit the
addition of artificial thickening to cream.
The Inspectors of the County Council have been instructed to see that
the regulations are observed.
THE SHOPS ACT, 1912.
There are 16 different authorities in Middlesex administering this
Act. The County wished to do so entirely, but the County Council lost the
powers which they had in previous Acts over Urban Districts with a population
of 20,000 or over. It came into force on 1st May, 1912.
THE RAG FLOCK ACT, 1911
A letter was received from the Local Government Board dated January
26th, 1912, which drew attention to the provisions of this Act which came
into force on July 1st, 1912. Its object is to prevent the sale and use for
manufacturing purposes of unclean flock made from rags. A standard of
cleanliness may be prescribed by the Board. Penalty for first offence £10;
for subsequent offence £50. It is the duty of each Council to enforce the
provisions of the Act within their area.
In July—in accordance with section 5—my Council empowered the
M.O.H. and Chief Inspector to institute proceedings, or enter premises, or
examine flock.
THE NATIONAL INSURANCE ACT, 1911
came into force as regards payment of contributions by employed and employers
and sanitorium benefits on July 15th, 1912, but as regards medical
benefits not until January, 1913. Part I is entitled "National Health Insurance";
Part II. "Unemployment Insurance"; Part III. contains some general
provisions. Altogether there are 115 sections in this important measure,
whose provisions are both complex and novel.
In May I received 17 leaflets from the National Health Insurance
Commission, which gave explanations of the complicated procedure under
this Act.