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79
Pharmacy and Poisons Act, 1933.—This Act came into force
on 1st May, 1936, and has for its object closer control of the sale
of poisons and poisonous substances. Under it the Medical Officer
of Health and Public Health Inspectors are appointed to carry out
the provisions referred to in Part II of the Poisons List. These
chiefly relate to the Sale of Poisons used for domestic, horticultural
and sanitary purposes.
During the year 3 applications for entry of name in the
Council's List of Persons entitled to sell Poisons included in Part
II of the Poisons List were received and 55 vendors applied for
retention in the Council's List. All were duly considered and
approved and, in accordance with the Act, the premises concerned
were kept under supervision by the Public Health Inspectors.
Poisons Information Service—Circular 16/63 received from the
Ministry of Health drew attention to a Poisons Information Service
which has been set up at Guys Hospital and which came into
operation on the 2nd September, 1963. The functions of the service
are:—
(i) to maintain an index of substances in common use—
medicinal, veterinary, industrial, agricultural, horticultural,
household, etc.—showing their composition and.
wherever possible, their toxicity and corrective measures
in cases of poisoning;
(ii) to provide information to medical practitioners so as to
facilitate treatment of cases of acute poisoning.
The servce is primarily intended to deal with enquiries related
to specific cases of poisoning or suspected poisoning. It will not
serve as a repository of toxicological information of a general
nature, nor will it be able to advise on miscellaneous toxic hazards.
Consumer Protection Act, 1961.—In seeking provisions to
protect consumers this Act repealed the Heating Appliances (Fire
guards) Act, 1952, and the Oil Burners (Standards) Act, 1960,
although regulations made under the repealed Acts remain enforceable
under the new Act which became effective from the 19th May,
1961.
These Regulations require fireguards to be fitted to gas fires,
electric fires and oil heaters which are so designed that they are
suitable for use in residential premises and are of such a type
that, without a guard, there is a likelihood of injury by burning.
Standards regarding construction, fittings for guards, tests and
exemptions in cases of sales for scrap are all covered by the
Regulations.
Under powers conferred" by the Act, regulations governing the
manufacture and sale of children's nightdresses with regard to their