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Medical Inspection of Aliens and Commonwealth Immigrants
During the year 165 aliens and 1,333 Commonwealth Immigrants were examined by the Medical
Inspectors. The arrangements whereby the larger passenger ships are boarded by the Medical
Inspectors with the Immigration Officers at Brixham was continued and worked effectively.
Pigeon Control
With the co-operation of the Port of London Authority and occupiers of dock premises systematic
control measures were carried out to keep the pigeon population at a reasonable level.
Canal Boats
10 inspections of canal boats were made during the year. 4 defects were found on 3 boats.
Clean Air Act, 1956
During the year 36 infringements were observed. A prosecution was taken in one case
unsuccessfully.
Transport of Refuse by Lighters
A few minor infringements of the bye-laws were noted. In one case successful legal proceedings
were taken.
Houseboats
No difficulties were encountered during the year. 19 houseboats were licensed to be moored
at Benfleet in accordance with the Essex County Council Act, 1952.
Sanitary Accommodation at the Docks
The Port of London Authority are in process of modernising sanitary accommodation at the
docks and considerable improvements were made during the year.
Launches
The launch "Alfred Robertson", which has been in continuous service for 26 years, is to be
replaced. The new launch will be slightly larger so that it will be capable of acting as a relief,
in cases of emergency, for the cutter "Humphrey Morris" on the Gravesend Boarding Station.
Visitors and Students
Visitors and students, for the most part doctors, and public health inspectors, from many
countries visited the Port for instructions in and demonstrations of port health work. Students for
the Diploma examination for Public Health Inspectors were also taken for instruction in port
health work.
Food Hygiene (Dock Carriers, etc.) Regulations, 1960
During the year progress was made in raising the standard of hygienic handling of food cargoes
and appreciable improvements achieved in the cleanliness of the vehicles used for the
transport of food.
Food Hygiene (General) Regulations, 1960-1962
During the early part of the year a survey of the passenger-carrying launches which operate
summer services on the River was carried out. Altogether during the year 47 inspections were
carried out in connection with these Regulations and the few defects noted were dealt with without
taking legal action.
Dangerous Drugs
Twenty-six certificates authorising the purchase of scheduled Dangerous Drugs were issued
under the Dangerous Drugs Regulations, 1953.
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 6,614 tons 10 cwts. 2 qrs. 22 lbs. as compared with 5,065 tons
3 cwts. 3 qrs. 9 lbs. in 1962.
Fertiliser and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1926
Six samples of Feeding Stuffs and two samples of Fertilisers were submitted to the Agricultural
Analyst.
Finally, I wish to record appreciation of the collaboration and assistance rendered by Her
Majesty's Customs, the Pilots, the Immigration Officers, the Port of London Authority, the
Shipping Federation, the staffs of Shipping Companies and Merchants, the staffs of the Central
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