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Those cases showing no evidence of contaminating powder were separated from those that
did, and were released, leaving 377 cases contaminated in varying degrees.
After much correspondence with the importers and underwriters, the importers decided that
100% examination of the affected cases might justify the expense involved.
In May 1959, labour was engaged by the Dock Company and sorting commenced under the
supervision of Mr. Wright, special accommodation being placed at their disposal for the purpose.
A compressed air generator was used for the removal of all gross contamination.
The cases were unpacked and separately examined by your Officer, the contents of those
passed as sound being re-wrapped in new wrapping, re-cased in new containers and re-banded.
The examination resulted in the repacking and subsequent release of 265 cases and the
report "112 cases dried apricots destroyed".
WITHOUT COMMENT
"Vet Certificate.
"Erevy it is confirmed that horses are on a public export shambles under a vetinary control
"murdered and it is also by an officional veterinar's examing ascertained that animals are either
"in alive or in daed mode healthy as well as the meat is good for people's food.
"In the People's Republic of during the last two months time there was no Dourine. Besides
"in her shires during a six months time there was no appearance of anaemia plague.
"Horses were by anophal method mallinized on the 7th 1959 with a negative result."
LOADING AND TRANSPORT OF REFUSE BY LIGHTERS
Until amended in 1958 the Byelaws constituted by the Port Health Authority in 1948 for the
prevention of nuisances arising from refuse in or upon any ship, boat or vessel, were rather difficult
to enforce, particularly in one respect, namely that Byelaws 2(a) and (b) required that the
coaming had to be sealed with close-fitting hatches and these to be covered with waterproof
sheeting when the hold contained refuse and loading was not in progress.
Representation to the Port Health Authority made by the Association of Master Lightermen
and Barge Owners on behalf of the Refuse Contractors pleaded that the provision and securing of
close-fitting hatches could not be properly met for various reasons and the demand was rather
unreasonable in all the circumstances.
As a result of discussion and successful tests that ensued, the Port Health Authority
decided to relax in this demand and amended the Byelaws to the effect that close-fitting hatches
would be no longer required, but the coamings must be sealed with stout water proofing sheeting
in good repair, properly and securely attached to the coamings.
This relaxation in the Byelaws considerably eased the burden of responsibility of the Contractors
and was agreed to be a minimum standard acceptable to the Port Health Authority.
Nevertheless, infringements have continued and during the year 1959 eight incidents have been
reported officially. Legal actions were taken in respect of seven offences and a penalty imposed
in every case by the Magistrate. All these infringements occurred, not when the lighters were
actually transporting the refuse but after loading operations had ceased and the refuse was left
in the lighter, unattended and without waterproof sheeting properly and securely attached to the
coaming.
HOUSEBOATS AT BENFLEET
The Essex County Council Act, 1952, provides that the mooring of any houseboat within the
County shall not be lawful without the consent of the Council of the district in which the houseboat
is situated, and that the Council may require the owner or occupier to remove or demolish
any houseboat not authorised by them.
The Port and City of London Health Committee are, however, still responsible under the
Public Health (London) Act, 1936, for the sanitary supervision of houseboats coming within the
jurisdiction of the Port Health Authority, although under the Essex County Council Act, 1952,
the local Council in Essex are now responsible for the licensing and drawing up of conditions
under which they are prepared to grant licences to houseboats.
The duties of the Committee in regard to the sanitary supervision of houseboats are safeguarded
by Section 212 of the Essex County Council Act, 1952, which provides inter alia that
no consent shall be given to the mooring of any houseboat within the Port of London without the
previous written consent of the Corporation of London as the Port Health Authority of the Port
of London.
During the year the Benfleet Urban District Council granted temporary consents, subject to
the approval of the Port Health Authority, to twenty-three houseboats. No objection to these
consents was raised by the Port and City of London Health Committee.
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