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The defence pleaded guilty but asked for extenuating circumstances to be taken into consideration.
It was stated that technical faults had developed which necessitated the lighting up
of a boiler from cold and this led to the commission of the offence.
The case was found proved but in view of the extenuating circumstances a fine of £25 was
imposed with 10 guineas costs.
Although the case was heard in 1959 all the work preparatory to its hearing was undertaken
in 1958 and that is the reason for referring to it in a 1958 report.
RADIATION HAZARDS
There is no doubt that active consideration will have to be given to radiation hazards from
nuclear-powered ships visiting the Port of London in the future and when this time arrives it will
be important for the Port Health Inspectors on the River and in the docks to be equipped with the
appropriate apparatus for taking measurements of radioactivity in the vicinity.
The stage has not yet been reached when it is essential to go into detail, but the Port
Health Authority are in close collaboration with the Port of London Authority concerning the problems
that may eventually arise.
Meanwhile, as a first step, arrangements were made towards the end of the year for the Port
Health Inspectors to attend a Course of lectures at the Sir John Cass College on "Radio-activity
and its hazards in biology and medicine" — a course which was conducted very successfully in
the early part of 1959. It may well be that another course of instruction will be arranged to
extend the knowledge already gained and so keep the Inspectors in touch with further developments
in this important field.
EXPORTED CATTLE PROTECTION ORDER, 1957 AND AMENDING ORDER
SHIPMENT OF CATTLE FROM EAST INDIA DOCK
This new trade from London to Hamburg was under consideration for several months and
during this time close relations between the Port of London Authority and the Port Health
Authority were maintained.
At first the selected site in the East India Dock lacked all the amenities essential to the
reception and shipment of live animals ; nevertheless, a clear policy was discussed and agreed
by the P.L.A., the Building Contractors, and the Port Health Inspector of the district. In this
connection proper sanitary provisions dominated the proposals, involving careful consideration
of the site paving and piped drainage. In the circumstances nothing short of new concrete surfacing
and new trapped drains were acceptable and the combination to afford an effective watershed
with unobstructed flow into the sewer during the regular hosing of the site after each shipment.
These requirements were met in full to the satisfaction of the Port Health Authority.
The lairage and runway were completed with adequate fencing and a sufficient standard of sanitation
obtained, both ashore and afloat, in the interests of the Operators and the cattle.
When the scheme came into operation there were two properly equipped ships in service
plying between London and Hamburg. Although the ships vie re serving separate trading interests
at the time, arrangements were concluded for both to use the, same site since the trade was then
in an experimental stage.
The scheme provided that the cattle would arrive by road transport of a specific type and
reach the dock at a predetermined time after having been rested and examined in an approved
lairage by an appointed. Veterinary Officer. Detention of animals deemed unfit for shipment is
decided by a Veterinary Officer who exercises the powers vested in him by the Minister of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Operations showed that the cattle can be quietly ushered from the transport, down the
fenced runway and on to the ship. Admitted that it is the prerogative of the Authorised Veterinary
Officer to control the humane aspect, the Port Health Inspectors nevertheless exercise a
moral responsibility at the dock with a view to reporting any shortcomings at once.
According to a request from the traders, each consignment must, for the purpose of the
import regulations at Hamburg, be accompanied by a statement as to:
(a) Sanitary condition of exporting shore establishment;
(b) Sanitary condition of lairage and exits to ship ;
(c) Freedom of the shore establishment from communicable disease.
A statement in these terms was issued by the Port Health Authority for each shipment.
The export of cattle from the East India Dock, which started in January 1958, was discontinued
after three months for commercial and technical reasons, but it is understood that there is
every likelihood of the trade being resumed early in 1959.
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