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In 1911 Census, the population was 280,366
„ 1921 „ „ „ 249,738
„ 1931 „ „ „ 225,800
„ 1934 estimate „ „ 214,990
(i.e., a steady reduction in 23 years of over 65,000 persons.)
If this rate of reduction is continued or accelerated it will not be many
years before it would be a practicable proposition to re-plan and rebuild
Stepney and make it a place of which future citizens may well be proud.
Why should not part, at least, of East London be a Garden City ?
A long view and a broad view is necessary and we should make sure that
our plans for the future are built on solid foundations, and that they will not
be interfered with by any intermediate planning.
V.—INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OF FOOD.
The new Food Section commenced its work on 1st January, 1935, and has
already justified itself to the full.
The year was a strenuous one. New methods of recording, compilation
of new registers and amendments to existing registers, have all taken up a
considerable time in addition to that devoted to the general work of Food
Inspection and Sampling.
Improvements have been brought about in the dairies, cowsheds, milkshops,
ice-cream premises, preserved food premises, butcher's shops, greengrocers
and the food premises generally, and the Merchandise Marks Act has
been more rigidly enforced. This has been possible because the Food Inspectors
have been able to concentrate upon those premises whereas previously supervision
was carried out by the District Sanitary Inspectors, who were, with
their multifarious and increasing duties, unable to give such attention to these
premises as was necessary.
Efforts have been made to raise the standards of the food premises.
In this respect it is to be noted that the number of dairies is considerably
less, whereas the number of persons selling milk in sealed containers has
increased; the number of premises where ice-cream is manufactured has
decreased with a corresponding increase in the number of premises where
wrapped ice cream is sold.
Sampling under the Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act, 1928, has been
more varied and has been carried out more systematically, with an increase
in interesting legal points.