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12. THE FABRICS (MISDESCRIPTION) ACT, 1913
AND REGULATIONS, 1959
It was reported last year that there was no demand for
children's non-inflammable fabrics owing to the cost. This year,
it is pleasing to report that a well-known chain store is selling
under a strict warranty of safety, children's and women's nightdresses
of pleasing texture, colours and design at competitive
prices, it is understood that sales have been most encouraging.
13. HOME SAFETY
From the inception of the Romford Home Safety Advisory
Committe, in November, 1959, the Committee has steadily
improved its organisation and associates and is geared to campaign
by means of propaganda on the causes of accidents in the home.
With the coming into force of The Home Safety Act, 1961,
this Committee has been reformed as a Sub-Committee of the
Public Buildings and Health Committee. Bi-monthly meetings
are held under the Chairmanship of Alderman Mrs. Irons, J.P.,
C.C., and the local press is invited to give coverage on the
proceedings. The appointed Home Safety Officer is Mr. C.
Hackett (Town Clerk's Department).
Durir the year several talks were given to schools and local
organisations, competitions held and exhibitions staged. Thousands
of pamphlets distributed. The causes of falls, burns and scalds,
which claim the greatest number of victims, was given particular
attention by the Committee. The Committee considered the
Consumer Protection Bill and through its sponsor, Mr. R.
Edwards, M.P. for Bilston, secured an amendment acceptable
to the Government. (House of Commons — Official Report —
Friday, 5th May, 1961.)
The annual returns of the Registrars-General for the year
1959 show that in Great Britain there were 8,096 deaths from
accidents at home. Falls accounted for 4,839. burns and scalds
833 Deaths from accidents at home now exceed those on the
road.
Figure are not available as to the causes of death within
the Boroug therefore the Committee are unable to compare with
the nations figure of 16.0 per 100,000 of the population. If this
figure was made available, it would give the Committee some idea
if their efforts were having a salutary effect on the citizens of
Romford.
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