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of a block of tenements, and although it had been used during daytime without complaint, the
commencement of a night-shift soon roused the tenants to seek assistance from the Department.
After consultation with the firm the generator was transferred to a more suitable position and the
nuisance ceased.
It is difficult to comply with the requirement that the local authority shall maintain a register of
factories within their area unless a duty is placed upon factory occupiers to notify the local authority,
as well as H.M. Inspector of Factories, of their intention to occupy premises for factory use. This is
a point worthy of consideration in connection with any amendment of factory legislation. During
the latter part of 1951 and the first half of 1952 the clothing trade, which embraces the bulk of the
factories in St. Marylebone, suffered a serious trade reverse. This arose out of the unwillingness of
the public to buy ; many firms went out of business, whilst others were compelled to give up factory
space or move to cheaper workrooms. During this period the factory register underwent considerable
changes and many visits were necessary merely to maintain reliable records. Apart from its main
purposes, the factory register has been of value in the mass radiography scheme, as registered firms
have been advised of the facilities for X-ray examination of their workers.
Out-Workers.—One hundred and eleven employers submitted lists in respect of a total of 937
out-workers (370 contractors and 567 workpeople). Of these, 62 contractors and 25 workpeople
operated in the Borough. The nature of the work upon which the out-workers were engaged is indicated
below :—
Wearing apparel 852
Furs 8
Buttons 34
Umbrellas 4
Household linen 6
Textile weaving 4
Brushes 1
Jewellery 22
Electro-plate 1
Lampshades 3
Artificial flowers 1
Racquet and tennis balls 1
Total 937
The collection of this information twice a year, as required by section 110 of the Factories Act,
1937, its transmission to other local authorities concerned and the inspection of the outworkers'
premises involve the Department in much work which at times seems unjustifiable. In cases of
infectious disease at out-workers' premises the danger of transferred infection by articles of outwork
may not be considered great ; even so, the information that the patient or contact is an outworker
is revealed during routine infectious disease visits.
Rag Flock and other Filling Materials.—In St. Marylebone there are many firms carrying out
upholstery work, much of it in conjunction with the antique and second-hand furniture trade and
involving the restoration and repair of articles. As re-conditioned and re-made articles are outside
the scope of the Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials Act, 1951 (the provisions of which were
summarised in last year's report) its application in this Borough is extremely limited. In 1952, only
ten premises were registered under the Act, the prescribed fee of £1 being paid in each case.
Craftsmanship of a high standard is the speciality at these registered premises, and it is only
occasionally that the general work of re-making and re-upholstering is interrupted by the manufacture
of new goods which alone come within the purview of the present legislation.
During the year, three samples of hair, one of cotton felt, one of synthetic fibre and one of feathers
were submitted to authorised analysts for examination. Of these samples, two of hair, which came
from the same batch, failed to reach the prescribed standard of cleanliness. The matter was taken
up with the firm concerned and the material sent for re-processing. The other four samples were
reported to be satisfactory.
The Act also requires premises used for the manufacture or storage of rag flock to be licensed, in
respect of which an annual fee of £1 is payable, but no application in this connection was received.
Rag and Bone Dealers.—Section 26 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1952, extends
the provisions of Part IV (Offensive Trades) of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, and prohibits