View report page

12
It is interesting, however, to compare the figure of 726 (above) with the average
yearly rates of house building in Woolwich during the four decades, 1901-1940,
which were as follows: 1901-1910, 453; 1911-1920, 533; 1921-1930, 443; 19311940,
1,039.
Squatters. In September "squatters" took possession of two army camps
in the Borough where, after negotiations with the War Office and the Ministry
of Health, they were allowed to remain. Certain adaptations with regard to
sanitary arrangements and water supply were carried out at the camps.
INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OF FOOD.
Milk. The number of milk premises on the register on the 31st December
was 58. The standard of the milk supply was satisfactory; practically all the milk
distributed in Woolwich is heat treated. Of 310 samples submitted for chemical
analysis, 216 (69 per cent.) contained more than 3.5 per cent. of fat; only two
contained less than 3 per cent. Of 64 samples of pasteurised milk examined
bacteriologically, only one sample gave an unsatisfactory result. The phosphatase
test for adequate heat treatment was satisfied in 328 samples, and the
methylene blue test for the keeping quality of milk in 162 samples. Only 11
samples failed to satisfy; 7 the phosphatase test and 4 the methylene blue test.
In each case. where the sample failed to satisfy, further samples from the same
sources of supply gave satisfactory results.
Meat Supplies. Only one slaughterhouse in the Borough was used during
the year and this only on occasion under licence from the Ministry of Food. The
number of animals slaughtered and inspected at this slaughterhouse was 39.
Premises where Food is Prepared or Offered for Sale. Routine visits
were paid by the sanitary inspectors to all food premises in the Borough. The
number of such inspections was 1,043.
Analysis of Food and Drugs. During the year the Public Analyst analysed
734 samples, including 682 informal and 52 formal. Of these, 17 informal and
4 formal samples were reported to be adulterated, giving a percentage adulteration
of 2.8, compared with 3.5 in 1945. The adulterated samples included mixed spice,
1; mixed herbs, 1; coffee essence, 1; canned meat, 1; canned soup, 1; pickles, 1;
whole ginger, 1; vitamin capsules, 1; milk, 4; vinegar, 2; gravy preparations, 2;
cake mixture, 2; mineral water, 1; lemon biscuit mixture, 1; Frutella dessert
powder, 1.
Unsound Food. During the year, 12½ tons of food was surrendered as unfit
for human consumption. Most of this was utilised for animal feeding or for fertilisers.
No seizures were made.