View report page

Other parts of the Act came into force on the 3rd October, 1961.
These deal with a variety of subjects, some new, some just extensions
of the 1936 Act. In the latter category powers are given to local authorities
to reduce the time lag in dealing with the examination and testing
of dra'ns, the removal of stoppages and the repair thereof. It also extends
local authority powers with regard to food storage accommodation,
verminous premises and articles and notification of infectious disease.
A part of the Act deals with new and amended legislation concerning
streets, open spaces, etc., whilst new powers are given for dealing with
derelict petrol tanks and reducing the number of pigeons and other
birds. The section concerning derelict petrol tanks provides that "Where
a fixed tank or other fixed container which has been used for the storage
of petroleum spirit, and is no longer used for that purpose, is kept on
any premises, the occupier of such premises shall take all such steps as
may be reasonably necessary to prevent danger from the container".
A duly authorised officer of the local authority shall have powers to
inspect such tanks and if they have not been rendered safe then the
local authority shall by notice require such steps to be taken. If the
premises be unoccupied then the owner will be responsible. Enforcement
powers are similar to those given in Part XII of the Public Health
Act, 1936.
Power to take action to reduce the number of pigeons and certain
other birds is contained in section 74. Although a number of local
authorities have had powers for some years through local Acts of
Parliament to deal with this nuisance, no such authority has previously
been given in a general Act. Nuisance from pigeons has developed
considerably in the last few years to the extent that steps have had to
be taken to eradicate them or at least reduce the r numbers. Reference to
the situation in this borough is made in another part of this Report.
The Milk (Special Designation) Regulations, 1960
These Regulations, which came into force on the 1st January, 1961
supercede previous legislation on the subject of designated milks, i.e.
pasteurised, sterilised and tuberculin tested milk, by (a) discontinuing
supplementary licences and permitting holders of Dealer's licences to
sell outside the area of the licensing authority as well as inside (b)
introducing a dealer's (pre-packed) licence where milk is sold in the
same sealed containers as purchased; or is pasteurised or sterilised by
the dealer (c) extending from one to five years the period for which a
licence is granted. Other provisions of the Regulations concern methods
of sampling, testing, storage of tuberculin tested milk, etc.
Inspections carried out by Public Health Inspectors
Infectious Disease enquiries, including enquiries in respect of
scabies 113
Visits in connection with contacts, disinfection, etc. 18
Enquiries in connection with food poisoning 23
Verminous Premises 12
31