View report page

power is not used, and the provisions concerning sanitary conveniences in all
factories. During the year, 247 premises were inspected and at the end of the year
there were 1,312 on the register. In no case was it found necessary to institute
proceedings to remedy the defects found.
The Council is also responsible for the inspection of the houses of outworkers,
i.e. persons employed by factories in their own homes. 38 visits of inspection were
made and conditions were found to be satisfactory.
Statistical information concerning the Factories Act is given in tables 2, 3 and 4.
COMMON LODGING HOUSES
There are no common lodging houses in the borough.
RAG FLOCK AND OTHER FILLING MATERIALS ACT, 1951
At the end of the year, 11 premises in the borough were registered under this Act,
which is designed to secure the use of clean filling and lining materials in upholstered
articles, and other articles which are stuffed or lined.
Inspections were made on 12 occasions when conditions were found to be satisfactory
in all cases.
NOISE ABATEMENT ACT, 1960
Complaints of alleged noise nuisance received during the year totalled 150 a decrease
of 2% on the number for the previous year. The complaints again referred to noise from
industry, commerce, neighbours, road traffic, road drills, and the practice sessions of
"pop" groups.
On investigation, it was found that approximately 49% of the complaints referred to
noise coming from industrial and commercial premises and that about 51% of these were
valid complaints. Of the complaints of noise from other sources, about 53% were
complaints which could be supported by the Department.
The number of complaints about noise from road drills decreased slightly. In a few
cases it was noted that silencers or mufflers were not in use and in these instances the
mufflers were soon fitted when attention was drawn to the deficiency.
Of the total number of complaints, 78 were abated without having to use statutory
action, 54 were held not to be nuisances although in most cases efforts were made to
achieve a reduction of noise at source. 18 cases were still under investigation at the
end of the year.
OFFICES, SHOPS AND RAILWAY PREMISES ACT, 1963
This Act is designed to raise standards of working conditions in offices, shops,
warehouses, canteens, catering establishments and fuel storage depots so as to promote
the health, welfare and safety of the employees.
At the end of the year, 3,096 premises were registered by the Council under this
Act, there having been 201 additions to the register, and 153 deletions.
Inspection of premises to which the Act applied continued at a very satisfactory
pace with 1,718 general inspections and a total of 3,640 visits of all kinds.
41