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The Consumer Protection Act, 1961, repealed the Heating Appliances (Fireguards)
Act, 1952, and the Oil Burners (Standards) Act, 1960. The Heating Appliances
(Fireguards) Regulations, 1953, however, remain in force and require that
fireguards be fitted to gas fires, electric fires and oil heaters. The Oil Heaters
Regulations, 1962, made under the 1961 Act, relate to domestic space heaters
which burn kerosene (paraffin oil) and, inter alia, impose requirements concerning
their construction, design and performance. The Oil Heaters Regulations, 1966,
make more detailed provision for testing the performance of an oil heater when
tested out of level and impose a limit on the proportion of carbon monoxide which
may be emitted by it. These regulations ensure that from the 1st June, 1966, the
1962 Regulations as amended apply to all oil heaters, irrespective of date of
manufacture.
The Children’s Nightdresses Regulations, 1964, were made with a view to
preventing or reducing the risk of death or injury through the ignition of children's
nightwear made from flammable materials. Subject to certain exceptions, no person
may sell, or have in his possession to sell, a child's nightdress not complying with
the regulations.
Fifteen inspections were made of shop premises to ensure compliance with the
legal provisions and no contraventions were found.
HOUSING
General Housing Provisions
The number of units of housing accommodation under the control of the
Council at the 31st December was 15,635, which shows an increase of 727 over
last year’s figure. The accommodation comprises 249 bed-sitting room, 1,445 onebedroom,
4,721 two-bedroom, 8,998 three-bedroom and 222 other categories.
During the year 826 applicants on the housing list, 292 from clearance areas
and one Greater London Council nominee were rehoused, making a total of 1,119.
At the end of the year the number of applicants on the waiting list was 3,703
and there were 2,131 on the supplementary list, which includes new applicants of
less than 12 months standing.
Ninety-five applicants during the year were awarded priority for rehousing on
the grounds of ill-health.
I am grateful to the Housing Manager for supplying the above information.
Overcrowding
The statutory standard for overcrowding, based on the number of persons
related to the size and number of living rooms, is laid down in the Housing Act,
1957.
It was not found necessary to serve notices for the abatement of statutory
overcrowding.
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