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10
The number of water barges in use in the Port remained at 12. As heretofore
the registration of these craft by the Port of London Authority was made conditional
upon the report of your officers as to the fitness of the barges for the carriage of
drinking water. These arrangements continued to work smoothly.
The launches "Howard Deighton" and "Frederick Whittingham" have given
very satisfactory service during the year.
Your Worshipful Committee decided at the end of last year to build a new
launch to replace the "James Howell." Difficulties in regard to the delivery of
steel, consequent upon the re-armament programme, have delayed the construction
of this vessel, but it is expected that she will be in commission before the middle
of next year.
During the year 4,776 tons of foodstuffs were condemned as unfit for human
consumption and were either destroyed or disposed of for industrial purposes under
guarantee.
The proportion of carcases of mutton examined for Caseous Lymphadenitis
remained at 5 per cent. throughout the year, while pieces of mutton continued to
be subjected to 100 per cent. examination. Evidence of this disease was found
in only 29 of the 28,943 carcases examined by your Inspectors. A proportion of
frozen ox tongues imported from South America was examined on arrival, the
percentage found to be affected with Actinobacillosis being 0.77.
In connection with the inspection of canned foods, with the object of securing,
as far as possible, uniformity at Ports throughout the British Isles, the Association
of Port Health Authorities issued a memorandum for the guidance of Pood Inspectors.
These recommendations are set out in full on pages 36 and 37.
The examination of canned sardines for lead contamination was continued
during the year, and although the maximum amount of lead permitted had been
reduced to five parts per million, it was only found necessary to order the re-export
of two of the 38 consignments examined.
During the year the Board of Trade issued new instructions as to the survey
of Masters' and Crews' spaces which will, in new ships, effect most of the improvements
for which Port Health Authorities have pressed for many years. The principal
new requirements are listed on pages 31 and 32.
No complaints were received during the year as to pollution of the Biver by
sewage discharged from the Northern and Southern Outfalls.
Dr. J. S. Warrack, your Deputy Medical Officer of Health, retired on
11th November, 1937, after 35 years in your service, and on the 16th December, 1937,
your Medical Officer was appointed to be Medical Officer of Health of the City of
London, but to continue to act as Medical Officer of Health of the Port until a new
appointment is made to that position.
I have pleasure in recording that all grades of your Staff 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,
CHABLES E. WHITE.