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corresponding ones for 1984, viz., 138 ; 2 ; 78 ; 17.3, and for 1935, 55 ; 0 ; 40 ; and 11.7.
Six consignments representing 555 cases, or approximately 55,500 tins were returned
to the packers under guarantee that they would not be sent back to this country.
These figures compare with 7 ; 1,070 ; 107,000 for 1934 and 9 ; 880 ; 88,000 for 1935.
In November, 1936, subsequent to a conference of Port Medical Officers at the
Ministry of Health the following letter was addressed to all known importers of sardines
in the Port of London:—
"DearSirs, LEAD IN SARDINES.
"I have to inform you that from the 1st July, 1937, the importation of sardines found on analysis
to contain more than five (5) parts of lead per million, will be prohibited under the Public Health
(Imported Food) Regulations, 1925.
"This prohibition will be enforced in all ports of the United Kingdom.
"I have further to inform you that it is considered by the responsible authorities that sardines
should be free from lead or contain, at the most, only negligible traces of that metal.
"The tolerence of five parts of lead per million will accordingly only be exercised for a limited
period.
"It is, therefore, recommended that you should impress upon your packers the importance of
using every means to prevent any lead contamination of their product as, at a later date, of which
you will receive ample notice, a still stricter standard than five parts per million will be imposed."
The analysis of canned sild for tin was also continued during the year. Eight
samples were analysed. The amount of tin found ranged between 0 and 5.16 grains
per pound, the average being 0.9 grains per pound. Six hundred and fifty-seven
cases, approximately 65,700 tins, in which the degree of contamination exceeded
two grains of tin per pound, were destroyed.
In regard to the Port of London Houseboat Bye-laws which are being made jointly
by yourselves and the Port of London Authority, under the City of London (Various
Powers) Act, 1933, agreement has been reached with the Port of London Authority
and the Ministry of Health. The proposed Bye-laws have been advertised by the
Port of London Authority, and objections are now receiving consideration. It is
hoped that it will be possible to issue the Bye-laws before the end of 1937.
No complaints were received during the year as to the pollution of the Biver by
sewage discharged from the Northern and Southern Outfalls. This was due to the
heavy rainfall which resulted in the Biver being flushed with fresh water from above
Teddington.
There were no changes in your Staff during the year, and I have pleasure in
recording that all grades carried out their duties in an entirely satisfactory manner.
The health work of so large a Port could not be carried out efficiently without the
co-operation of the Officers of H.M. Customs and of the Port of London Authority,
the Pilots and the Members of the Staffs of the Shipping Companies and Merchants
whose assistance and courtesy are gratefully acknowledged.
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
CHARLES F. WHITE.