View report page

Consultations have taken place with officers of
the Ministry of Labour on two potential hazards
which have come to light, namely the use in trade
premises of small slicing machines intended and
designed for the domestic market, and the increasing
popularity of the frameless glass door as
an architectural feature in modern office blocks
and shops. In some conditions of light the latter
are almost invisible and a person in a hurry does
not always see a low-level knob or cross-bar. No
serious accidents have so far been reported, but
it is suggested that the incorporation in the design
of some visible feature at average eye-level would
be a wise precaution.
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act
The annual return submitted to the Minister of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food appears as
Table 25.
The figures show a gratifying increase in
activity following reorganisation of the section
and by the end of the year a scheme set up in
collaboration with the Borough Engineer and
Surveyor for the provision of labour and equipment
to treat the sewers in the older part of the
borough was nearing completion. Operations are
expected to commence early in 1967.
Pet Animals Act 1951
Twelve premises are licensed and 42 inspections
were made during the year.
Riding Establishments Act 1964
Two annual licences were issued during the year.
in one case after the execution of substantial
improvements to the premises to bring them into
conformity with the requirements of the Act.
Sixteen inspections were made, including four
by the veterinary surgeon retained by the council
for the purpose.
Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
One annual licence was issued after the execution
of works to bring the premises into conformity
with the requirements of the Act.
Diseases of Animals Act 1950
Thirty-five inspections were made under the
Act and relevant Regulations.
Miscellaneous
A total of 1,204 general complaints was received
during the year. Not all of these related to matters
with which the department could deal and a
surprisingly large amount of time is spent by the
inspectors and clerical staff in assisting
complainants and directing them to the authorities
empowered to help them. Complaints, anonymous
or otherwise, are never ignored. As a result of
2,257 inspections nuisances were found at 1,377
premises and remedied at 1,108 during the year
after 273 verbal and 1,225 written notices. One
nuisance was remedied by the local authority in
default of an owner and legal proceedings in one
case for failure to comply with a notice served
under Section 93 of the Public Health Act 1936
resulted in a fine of £5 and the award of £2 2 Od
costs.
The following summarises the activities of the
inspectors in connection with matters not
specifically covered elsewhere.
Infectious disease investigations 596
Food poisoning investigations 60
Advice to long term immigrants 297
Rodent control in association with the
Rodent Officer 182
Mosquito control 11
Agricultural premises 14
Schools 65
Noise nuisance observations 387
Licensed premises 11
Hairdressers and barbers 53
90