View report page

CHILDREN'S TOYS
In the two previous annual reports detailed references were made to the extensive sampling and
investigation of toys sold in the Borough to ascertain whether the Toys (Safety) Regulations 1967
made under the Consumer Protection Act 1961 were being complied with.
During the year 1973 a total of 111 toys were purchased from shops, warehouses and stalls in
Islington and submitted to the Public Analyst for examination. Of these, 12 exceeded the maximum
permissable amounts of lead or chromium in the paint, viz. 5,000 ppm and 250 ppm respectively of
the dry paint film. In most cases the toys concerned were coated with more than one coloured paint
which exceeded the legal limit. Amounts of lead varied considerably but in one instance no less than
320,000 ppm of lead was found in the paint on a toy xylophone - 64 times the permissible amount.
The same toy contained 3,000 ppm of soluble chromium - 12 times the permissible amount. One of
the 12 toys, a metal coach, in addition to having excess lead and chromium, also contained 53 pieces
of cellulose nitrate comprising windows in its construction. Celluloid is entirely prohibited in toys
except for table tennis balls.
The 12 toys which failed the legal standards represent 10.8% of the total sampled in 1973
compared with 13% the previous year and 34% reported in 1971. Four of the toys were known to
have been manufactured in Great Britain of which one was old stock.
It is the Council's policy to institute legal proceedings against the manufacturer or importer and
details are included in this report of proceedings which took place during the year. Four cases were
still being processed by the Borough Solicitor at the end of the year. It was decided not to take legal
action against one firm whose premises consisted only of showrooms.
It does appear that some importers are still not showing due diligence in respect of toys being
imported into this country. To quote an example, a prosecution is being considered by the Borough
Solicitor in respect of a toy importer who has already one conviction within this Borough in respect of
a contravention of the Toys Regulations, 1967. It is doubtful, when toys are tested prior to being
imported, that they are tested as specifically laid down in the Schedule to the Toys (Safety)
Regulations, 1967.
Inspectors should as a routine precaution have a proper analysis of all the toys that they inspect.
Adverse publicity is a greater deterrent to traders than the fines imposed for contraventions, but
no deterrent should be necessary to protect the health of children.
RAG FLOCK AND OTHER FILLING MATERIALS ACT 1951
Inspections of the thirteen registered premises were carried out during the year.
One sample of feathers and one sample of coir fibre were taken during November and submitted
to the prescribed Analyst. Both were found to comply with the standards laid down in the
Regulations.
EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES
The Employment Agencies Act 1973 received the Royal Assent on the 18th July, 1973 but does
not come into force until the Secretary of State by Order appoints. The Act considerably strengthens
the law relating to employment agencies but in the meantime the London County Council (General
Powers) Act 1921 continues to operate.
32