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The incidence of wasps was generalised during 1959, and it is
considered that the service provided by the Department in the destruction
of wasps nests plays a great part in the Council's Food Hygiene
policy.
In addition, 11 complaints were received regarding squirrels, pigeons
and rabbits, and these were referred to the Pests Officer of the Ministry
of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at Guildford.
PETROLEUM (REGULATION) ACTS 1928 & 1936.
58 licences were issued by the Department to store petroleum spirit
during 1959, and the total quantity of petroleum spirit stored was
95,995 gallons. In addition, 25 licences were issued to store petroleum
mixtures involving a total of 9,390 gallons, and 3 licences were issued
in respect of the storage of a total of 42 cwts. of calcium carbide.
153 visits were made to premises under the provisions of Petroleum
legislation.
During 1959 the Conditions attached to licences were revised to
conform to the Model Code of Licensing Conditions issued by the
Home Office. These new Conditions were attached to the licences
issued on the 1st January, 1960.
PET ANIMALS ACT 1951.
6 licences to keep pet shops were issued by the Department during
1959. 9 visits were made to these premises and various infringements of
the conditions of licence were rectified.
HEATING APPLIANCES (FIREGUARDS) ACT 1952.
During 1959, 4 visits were made in connection with the Act and 2
appliances were examined and the prescribed tests applied. Both were
found not to conform to the standards laid down and were either
modified or withdrawn from sale.
CLEAN AIR ACT 1956.
During the year 1959, 49 complaints were received with regard
to smoke or grit emission, and the necessary observations were made
and remedial action taken. 344 visits of inspection were made in connection
with these complaints, and to boiler houses situated in industrial
premises.
There was during the year a continued improvement with regard
to the emission of smoke from industrial installations in the town. This,
I think, is due to the provisions of the Clean Air Act 1956, and to the
co-operation of the firms concerned. Conversion from solid fuel to oil
burning has taken place in several premises.
"Prior approval" was given to two installations during the year —
(1) a new installation of oil fired furnace plant, and (2) the conversion of
an existing solid fuel fired furnace to oil burning.
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