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Consumer Protection Act, 1961
In order to prevent or reduce risk of death or injury, this Act
authorises the making of regulations imposing safety requirements relating
to any prescribed class of goods.
The Oil Heaters Regulations 1962 made under this Act impose such
requirements in respect of domestic kerosene burning space-heaters manufactured
after 1st June, 1962. The following resolution was submitted by the
Council from the Health Committee to the National/Safety Conference: "This
committee understands that the sale of oil heaters manufactured before 1st
June, 1962 is not subject to the Oil Heaters Regulations 1962 made under
the provisions, of Section 1 of the Consumer Protection Act 1961; that it
has been brought to the notice of the committee that the sale of secondhand
heaters is increasing, many of which are defective and extremely dangerous
following repairs or modifications carried out by previous owners and/or
imcompetent dealers; that it should be an offence for a person to sell,
or to have in his possession for the purpose of sale a heater which was
manufactured before 1st June, 1962 and which is defective, or which does
not conform to the standards set by the Oil Heaters Regulations 1962; and
that representations be made to the Secretary of State for the existing
legislation to be amended accordingly." The resolution was carried and it
is understood that amending Regulations are now in course of preparation.
The Heating Appliances (Fireguards) Regulations 1953 require fireguards
of prescribed standards of construction and fitting, to be fitted to gas and
electric fires and oil heaters.
Drainage and Sanitary Conveniences
Considerable use is made of Section 25(l) of the London County Council
(General Powers) Act 1955, whereby a public health inspector can serve a
notice requiring an owner to clear an obstructed drain within 48 hours and
if the notice is not complied with during that time, the Council may themselves
execute the work and recover the cost from the person responsible.
Notices under this section served during the year numbered 173, the Council
executing the work in 37 instances.
Factories
Under Section 153 of the Factories Act 1961, the Medical Officer of
Health is required among other things to report to the Council in his
annual report specifically on, and furnish the prescribed particulars with
respect to, matters under the Act administered by the Council. Particulars
will be found in the appendix, pages 57 and 58.
Hairdressers and Barbers
Persons shall not carry on the business of barber or hairdresser
unless they and their premises are registered by the Council. The number
20