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with suspected food poisoning, whilst not being disastrous, could be misleadiring,
A very important aspect in association with the performance of duties
under the Food & Drugs Act involves economics and requires thoughtful planning.
Some of the every day commodities which are sampled require lengthy laboratory
processes to complete particular examinations which have become necessary, in
order to be in a position to make a decision. These cost more in time and
money, and some of the equipment essential to complete the analysis is very
expensive. The sampling officer is thus restricted in his choice of sample
range, particularly in the field of drugs, for fear of exceeding budgetary
allocations.
Quite a strong case could be made out in support of either
centralising laboratory work, or for Boroughs to claim monetary assistance
from the Minister to augment this sampling programme. In fact, the whole field
of Food and Drugs Administration could benefit greatly by being carefully
reviewed collectively and a closer relationship formulated at national, if not .
international, level to establish agreed bacteriological, chemical and qualitystandards.
Atmospheric Pollution.
Perhaps the most significant feature which will be gleaned from the
atmospheric pollution section of this report is that at the end of the year
more than three quarters of the Borough are included in Smote Control Areas,
the latest Area coming into operation on November 1st this year.
This means that we are in advance of our original programme by at
least one year, and if progress is maintained the whole of the Borough should
be under smoke control some time in 1965® It is encouraging to be able to
report that up to now not one objection has been received prior to the four
Smoke Control Areas now in operation.
It will be noted that our work in connection with the prevention of
fumes from diesel engines has been brought almost to a standstill due to the
amendment of the law and a charge of five shillings being made by the licensing
authority, whereas previously this was one shilling, per enquiry for the name
and address of the owners of vehicles, and if local authorities are to be
encouraged, and be able to continue with this important work, it is suggested
that they should make very strong representation for the law to be amended and
some reasonable arrangements made with the licensing authorities to produce
the information required in respect of offending vehicles«
Rodents.
A feature of this section of the Annual Report is the very marked
reduction in the rat population in sewers and surface infestations undoubtedly
due to the assiduous work being effectively carried out in abolishing all
disused drains when premises are demolished particularly in slum clearance
schemes.
Of the utmost significance is the introduction of an entirely new
method of rodent control in sewers throughout the borough, working in very close
liaison with the Ministry of Agriculture Pests Department. It is believed that
Shoreditch is the first London borough to be engaged in such an important new
venture, and it is confidently hoped that if this experiment is as successful
as we feel sure it will be,Shoreditch will be the first London Borough to be
able to claim that the sewers are completely free from rate. Details of the
method employed are enumerated under the appropriate section of this report.