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those known premises with employees. Where forms OSR.1 had not been
returned after a reasonable period had elapsed, a reminder was sent
in which the requirements of the Act were indicated together with the
provisions relating to penalties for non-compliance. Advertisements
notifying the public of the registration requirements were also inserted
in the local press. Subsequently, a total of 1,626 registrations were
received by the end of the year out of an estimated total of 2,000 premises.
Difficulty has been experienced in obtaining accurately completed
forms OSR.1 from many of the smaller businesses. This was, of course,
particularly so in the case of those traders who wrote little or no English.
Changes of occupation were frequently found to occur. Accordingly liaison
with the Borough Treasurer has been extended to ensure that all changes of
rated occupiers are notified to the Public Health Department so that accurate
registration can be maintained.
Compliance with certain requirements of the Act has been made a
condition when granting applications under the Town and Country Planning
Act 1962 and the London County Council Drainage Byelaws. Similarly,
reports are made to the Licensing Justices prior to the hearing of applications
under the Betting, Gaming and Licensing Act 1963. At one large
wholesale premises where a satisfactory first-aid room is maintained,
exemption was granted from the requirements of Sections 24(l)-(6) of the
Act. An application by the occupier of a coal order office for exemption
from heating requirements was refused.
Where premises are in multi-occupation (i.e. factories separately
occupied, but sharing part of their accommodation with offices and/or
shops) action is taken with regard to any contraventions of the Factories
Act 1961 which are observed.
Of the 681 premises which were generally inspected during the year,
94.8 per cent (64.6 premises) were found to fall short of the requirements
of the Act and/or Orders and Regulations made thereunder. In all cases,
letters were sent to the occupiers of the premises concerned drawing their
notice to the matters requiring attention.
Visits to grocers and butchers shops revealed large numbers of slicing
machines which were inadequately guarded thus contravening the Prescribed
Dangerous Machines Order 1964.. Occupiers were advised, to contact the
suppliers of the machines in order to obtain suitable guards.
Statistics relating to the inspections carried out during the year
will be found on page 65.
Pet Animals Act, 1951
There are 6 licensed pet shops in the Borough including stalls in
markets. No contraventions were discovered of the conditions subject to
which the annual licences are granted by the Council.
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