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duty with the Council in 1937, was promoted to Tuberculosis Officer on 29th
June, 1938, and succeeded Dr. O'Keeffe to the post of Deputy Medical Officer
of Health on the 22nd February, 1939.
Dr. R. M. Orpwood was appointed Assistant Tuberculosis Officer on the
2nd November, 1938.
* * * * *
Legislation passed during the year included the Food and Drugs Act,
1938, and the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Act,
1938.
The Factories Act, 1937 came into force during the year. This is an
important consolidating Act, superseding the Act of 1901, and various other
enactments. The County of London (Measles and Whooping Cough) Regulations
1938 came into force on 1st October.
* * * * *
The report of the Public Analyst records the results of continued activity
in the pursuit and prosecution of food offenders. Many persons were prosecuted
and fined for selling rolls and margarine as "rolls and butter." This practice
was fairly common in the Borough, and it is hoped that it will now cease.
The Analyst's comments on cream cheese and artificial vinegar are also
deserving of attention by the public.
I have been much concerned by the poor quality of some of the poultry
sold in the Borough, especially old fowls, known as "boilers." There is no
doubt that the demand for cheapness is being satisfied at the expense of
quality. The attention of the food inspectors has revealed that these poor
quality fowls frequently show obvious evidence of tuberculosis in the livers
and intestines, and, though this tuberculosis is not communicable to man,
such fowls are unfit for food.
* * * * *
Housing activity during the year included two Compulsory Purchase
Orders and four Clearance Orders made by the Borough Council, which were
confirmed at the Ministry of Health's Inquiry without modification ; and two
Clearance Orders were made by the London County Council. 620 cases of
Overcrowding were abated. The " appointed day" under the Housing Act
1936 will not be reached in Stepney until 1st July, 1939.
*****
The European Crisis occurring in the last week of September and the
general disturbance caused thereby made itself felt here as everywhere, and
as the brunt of the A.R.P. services, at the time, fell on the staff of the Council,
normal duties were seriously interfered with. Though normality was restored
for a time after the September crisis, steadily increasing responsibility and
work are being placed upon the department in organising the A.R.P. Casualty
Services for the Borough, and it appears likely that this will continue for many
months to come.
Finally, may I express my thanks to the Committees for their support
and to the staff for their helpful co-operation during the year.
I am,
Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
F. R. O'SHIEL,
Medical Officer of Health.