View report page

A local authority is required to keep a register of factories with respect to which
it is responsible for the enforcement of any of the provisions mentioned above.
Close co-operation is maintained with HM Inspectors of Factories in that any defaults
found by them during the course of their visits and for which it is the duty of the local
authority to secure that remedial measures are taken, are notified to the health
department. Similarly the public health inspectors notify HM Inspectors of any
contraventions of the provisions of the Act which come within their jurisdiction.
HM Inspectors also forward to the health department details relating to the establishment
of new factories, the introduction of mechanical power and other information
which may come to their notice and which appears to affect factories subject to the
control of the local authority.
Special attention is paid to factories which provide canteens. These factories are
visited by the council's food inspectors and the opportunity is taken to discuss
with the canteen staff the various requirements needed to maintain a good standard
in food hygiene.
The medical officer of health is required in his annual report to the local authority
to report specifically on the administration of, and furnish prescribed particulars
with respect to, the matters under part I (factories) and part VIII (outworkers)
which are administered by the local authority. Details follow:—