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The Toys (Safety) Regulations, 1967 govern the use of certain materials
in the manufacture of toys. In particular, the use of celluloid, other than for
table tennis balls, is forbidden and restrictions are also imposed on certain
types of paint.
During the year a firm of Importers requested an examination of the paint
film on two kinds of toys imported from Italy. The Public Analyst reported
that the paint on one toy contained 125,000 parts of lead per million and on
the other 73,000 parts per million. The Regulations require that the proportion
of lead in the paint shall not exceed 5,000 parts per million and in view of
the results obtained from the samples the Importers immediately recalled all
similar toys from some 90 retailers throughout England, Scotland and Wales
and induced the Italian manufacturers to take back all similar goods supplied
to them. A total of 2,668 toys were assembled, cleared by H.M. Customs and
re-shipped to Italy.
10 samples were purchased from local retailers and submitted to the
Public Analyst for examination of the paint film, and, of these, 2 proved to
be unsatisfactory. In one case yellow paint on wooden skittles contained
19,000 parts of lead per million. The skittles were of Greek manufacture and
the Home Office and the Greek Authorities were informed of the Analyst's
findings and the Importers surrendered the remaining skittles which were
destroyed. The second unsatisfactory sample consisted of dominoes of
Japanese origin and a sample of the paint film on this article contained
27,100 parts of lead per million. The retailers concerned purchased the
dominoes from a wholesale firm which had since gone into liquidation, and
since several boxes had already been sold the Local Press and Radio London
were informed of the dangerous condition of this article. The unsold stock
from, two local retailers, comprising 25 boxes were surrendered and destroyed.
As the result of Press, Television and Radio publicity numerous enquiries
concerning suspect toys were received and dealt with during the
year.
THE FABRICS (MISDESCRIPTION) ACT, 1913
THE FABRICS (MISDESCRIPTION) REGULATIONS, 1959
The above mentioned Regulations prescribe standards of non-flammability
for textile fabrics which claim to be non-flammable.
ANIMAL BOARDING ESTABLISHMENTS ACT. 1963
The above Act, prohibits the keeping of a boarding establishment for
animals (defined by the Act as cats and dogs) except under licence
granted by the local authority.