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4.2.5 In addition to the tenement blocks dealt with, 37 dwelling houses were
represented for clearance in 1967, and co-operation in the Council's policy of the
development areas and compulsory purchase resulted in 560 dwellings being inspected
during the year for supporting evidence at local public inquiries.
4.2.6 The Department has also afforded full co-operation to the Greater London
Council in their massive survey of housing conditions in London. This work occupied a
staff of four for the first five months of 1967, the liaison and administration being
handled at this end by the now Deputy Chief Inspector, Mr. E. George. A 4 per cent,
cross sample of all accommodation in the London boroughs is a considerable undertaking
and the computerised results are awaited with interest.
FOOD
4.3.1 The powers and duties of the Council relating to food derive from the Food
and Drugs Act, 1955, and the Food Hygiene (General) Regulations, 1960.
FOOD & DRUGS ACT 1955
4.3.2.1 The Council uses the services of 2 public analysts, Mr. J.A.E. Marshall,
who deals with samples from the southern part of the Borough, and Mr. E. Voelcker who
deals with those of the northern part. During 1968, 650 samples were submitted for
chemical analysis, of which 57 were unsatisfactory. Details of these samples are given
in Table 12b.
4.3.2.2. Routine chemical sampling has again ensured that many items of food have
been withdrawn from sale because of prohibited ingredients, particularly in relation to
colouring matters used in imported sweets, drinks and jellies. Many labels have been
redesigned or altered to give a more accurate or clearer description of the product.
Constant bacteriological sampling has been playing its part in tracing causative
organisms in the outbreaks of food poisoning and also in ensuring a better standard
in products such as ice-cream, cooked hams, imitation cream, trifles and so on.
4.3.2.3 In 1967, 128 complaints were received concerning food purchased in the
Borough. Legal proceedings were authorised in 18 cases, of which 16 were successful.
Fines totalling £255 were imposed, with costs of £71.17s. In 1968. 107 such complaints
were received. Legal proceedings were authorised in 17 cases, of which 14 were
successful and fines totalling £191 were imposed, with costs of £45. Is.
FOOD HYGIENE (GENERAL) REGULATIONS, 1960
4.3.3.1 There are more than 700 cafes and restaurants and 300 canteens and clubs in
the borough catering mainly for workers in offices and factories and for travellers
arriving at the three mainline terminals. Visits by the specialist food inspectors covered
these as well as the many food retail shops and food manufacturing or wholesale premises.
Shortage of staff over the year caused a slight fall in the number of visits compared
with 1967.
4.3.3.2 Inspectors regard themselves primarily as educators and advisors, and prosecutions
are instituted only when there has been obvious neglect or wilful disregard
of the law. During 1968, 95 summonses were taken out - all successfully. The Courts
take a lively interest in food hygiene cases, but the results of convictions can vary
widely, and one fine of £50 with £10 costs was reduced on appeal to £25, although the
appellant had sold, seven weeks after manufacture, a steak pie with a recommended
shelf life of only three days.
4.3.3.3 In the last resort, the community at large sets its own standards of food
hygiene. The ultimate remedy for a dirty cafe should be a complete absence of customers.
In fact, although doubtful food purchases are often brought to us, the department
hardly ever receives complaints about food hygiene from customers based on their
own observations.
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