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A further notice was displayed drawing attention to the order made under the Public Health
(Shellfish) Regulations, 1934, prohibiting the distribution for sale for human consumption of
shellfish gathered in the area.
Medical inspections of Aliens
198 aliens arriving by ship were medically examined by the Port Health Authority's Medical
Officers on behalf of the Home Office.
Medical inspection of Commonwealth Immigrants
The Commonwealth Immigrants Act came into operation on 1st July 1962. Under the Act
admission of certain categories of Commonwealth immigrants became subject to medical examination.
A panel of Medical Practitioners was formed to carry out additional medical inspections
required by the Act on a part-time basis. During the six months to 31st December 1962 578
commonwealth immigrants were medically examined; none was refused on medical grounds.
Pigeons
The continuing increase in the pigeon population of the Port is causing concern. Various
methods have been put into operation to reduce the number of pigeons in the Dock Areas.
Clean Air Act
Ship owners, masters of vessels and engineroom personnel, owners of tugs and the Port of
London Authority have continued appreciably to assist in further reducing smoke from vessels.
Only 11 infringements by ships were observed compared with 19 in 1961. No legal proceedings
were instituted.
Transport of Refuse by Lighters
Regular observations of refuse lighters has been maintained. Three infringements of the
refuse byelaws were noted; in one case successful legal proceedings were taken.
Canal Boats
66 inspections of canal boats were made during the year. 20 defects were found on 13 boats.
House Boats
21 house boats were licensed to be moored at Benfleet in accordance with the provisions of
the Essex County Council Act, 1952.
Launches
The four launches continue to give regular and efficient service and credit for this must be
given to the crews employed who are tireless in effort to maintain the condition and appearance
of the vessels to a high level.
A new boarding cutter the "Humphrey Morris" came into service during the year replacing
the Launch "Howard Deighton" which had served as the boarding launch at Gravesend for 31
years. The new cutter has proved to be entirely satisfactory and the improved amenities for
the Boarding Medical Officers and crews have been much appreciated.
Visitors and Students
Qualified Medical men and Public Health Inspectors from abroad and from local authorities
and technical colleges in this country continue to visit the Port to obtain theoretical and practical
instruction in Port Health work.
Papers and Articles
A memorandum by Dr. H. Amphlett Williams, Public Analyst to the Corporation of London
on "Lead in Food" is included in the report and a paper by him on "Pesticide Residues in Food".
Proposed Public Health Control Measures is reproduced in appendix VI to this report.
Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act 1926
11 samples of feeding stuffs were submitted to the Agricultural Analyst.
Imported Food
The total amount of foodstuffs seized and condemned as unfit for human consumption and
either reconditioned or disposed of for animal feeding or for industrial purposes under guarantee
or destroyed or re-exported was 5,065 tons 3cwts. 3qrs. 9lbs. as compared with 3,329 tons
5 cwts. 3 qrs. 20 lbs. in 1961.
The work of meat inspection has progressed smoothly throughout the year, the Meat Inspectors
having received full co-operation from the Riparian Authorities, Shipping Companies, Meat
Importers, H.M. Customs & Excise and the Port of London Authority. Apart from a great deal of
routine work, the Inspectors were concerned with the detention and examination of Argentine
horsemeat and boneless meats from other countries and the implementation of the Food Hygiene
(Docks, Carriers, etc.) Regulations I960.
Attention has also been given to the implications of the new regulations coming into effect
during the year, namely the Preservatives in Food Regulations, 1962 and the Lead in Food
Regulations, 1961.
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