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In 1937 the Factories Act, of that year came into force. It was a
consolidating and amending measure which replaced the Factory and
Workshop Act of 1901. It followed broadly the lines of that Act, but
contained new provisions based on modern practice. It greatly reduced
the permissible working hours laid down in previous Factory Acts, both
for women and young persons. The 1937 Act continued in force with
amending and additional smaller Factories Acts until the present
major Act of 1961. This Act consolidated the previous Acts of 1937
to 1959, and certain other enactments relating to the safety, health and
welfare of employed persons.
The latest account of the work of the department is contained on
page 30 of this report. The work is carried out by the Public Health
Inspectors as has always been the case, as part of their normal duties.
Rats and Mice
The beginning of the continuous campaign of destruction of rats and
mice in the Borough was in 1922 under powers contained in the Rats
and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919. This made it an offence for any
person to fail to take such steps as may be necessary and practicable for
the destruction of rats and mice on or in any land, building, etc., of
which he was the occupier When the Act came into force attention
was called to its provisions by means of posters which also advised
as to the most effective methods of destruction. This information was
also contained in handbills which were issued when occasion demanded.