View report page

203
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 service 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— Powers and duties of the
Council under this Act have now been transferred to the Public
Control Section of the Town Clerk's Department.
Shops Acts, 1950/65.—Under these Acts, which became
effective from 1st October, 1950, the Council was responsible for
ensuring that, in every part of a shop in which persons are
employed about the business of that shop :
(a) suitable and sufficient ventilation is provided and maintained,
(b) suitable and sufficient temperature is provided and maintained, and
(c) suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences are provided
and maintained.
In the event of satisfactory sanitary arrangements not being
available at the premises the Council was empowered under Section
38 of the Act to grant exemption from this provision if it was
satisfied that suitable facilities were readily accessible elsewhere.
At the end of the year 32 exemption certificates were in
operation.
Routine inspections were carried out under the abovementioned Acts on 82 occasions.
The Council's main functions under these Acts are now
covered by the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963.
Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials Act, 1951.—Six
premises, at which filling and upholstering with new materials is
carried out, remained on the register at the end of the year. One
annual licence was renewed in respect of the manufacture of Rag
Flock.