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inevitably will require more inspectors and clerical staff, if it is
to be carried out in accordance with the enforcement provisions.
Consumer Protection Act, 1961
This Act gives the Secretary of State power to make Regulations
on safety requirements and instructions on Certain Goods
likely to cause death or personal injury. There are two sets of
Regulations in force, the Heating Appliances (fire-guards) Regulations
1953 and the Oil Heaters Regulations, 1962.
Twelve visits were made to shops where these goods are sold
and of those appliances examined none were found not to comply
with the Regulations.
With the ever increasing number of deaths and injuries caused
to children by burning and in particular the use of inflammable
children's nightwear, the Government has decided to make a further
Regulation under this Act banning their use unless made in conformity
with a B.S.I. standard which will come into force before the
winter of 1964. In view of the wide publicity given to this problem,
many retailers have agreed not to sell any children's nightdresses
unless conforming to a standard of safety.
It is to be regretted that when the Government had the Oil
Heaters Regulations, 1962, they did not fix a time limit for the sale
of these appliances manufactured before the 1st June, 1962, as they
did when making the Heating Appliances (fire-guards) regulations,
. 1953.
In a BBC broadcast, the Medical Officer of Health for the
Metropolitan Borough of Stepney, highlighted the problem of the
second-hand oil heater especially those manufactured before the
Regulation came into force which are easily purchased from street
markets and second-hand dealers. Many of these sub-standard
heaters have been responsible for fires and loss of life. The Romford
Home Safety Committee have also considered this problem and
are much concerned.
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