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Nine samples were taken for examination during the year and all proved to be satisfactory.
The taking of samples for analysis of rag flock and other filling mterials which are usee
in the manufacture of bedding, upholstery etc., is a part of the duties of a public health
inspector which is little known to persons outside the department, and the following background
to the Regulations is of general interest.
Prior to the coming into operation of the Hag Flock and other Filling Materials Act,
1951, the law relating to the cleanliness of rag flock used for the filling of mattresses and
upholstery was far from satisfactory.
The position was realised during the 1930's and in June, 1938 an inter-Departmental
Committee was approved to consider whether the Rag Glock Acts 1911 to 1928 and the Regulations
made thereunder were adequate to secure proper cleanliness of rag flock used for the manufacture
of upholstery, bedding and other household furniture in Great Britain, or whether it was
desirable that the provisions of these Acts and Regulations should be amended, and if so, in
what respects; and whether all or any of the provisions applicable to rag flock should be
applied to materials other than rag flock which may be used in the manufacture of the said
Articles.
Although the work of the Committee had reached an advanced stage in September, 1939,
its activities were suspended owing to the outbreak of war and not resumed until April, 1945.
The report was ultimately produced in July, 1946.
Extracts from the Summary of Conclusions and Recommendations of the Committee are as
follows
(a) Rag Flock
(1) It is reasonable to infer that there is a definite potential danger to public health
arising from the use of dirty materials.
(2) The test prescribed by the Rag Flock Regulations, 1912 (the chlorine test) is in
some respects not a satisfactory test of cleanliness for rag flock.
(3) The Rag Flock Acts 1911 to 1928, and the regulations made thereunder are inadequate
to secure proper cleanliness of rag flock used for the manufacture of upholstery, bedding and
other household furniture.
(4) There should be a statutory prohibition against the sale of inclean rag flock
intended for use as filling material.
(5) The present statutory definition of "flock manufactured from rags" is not
sufficiently wide and should be extended.
(6) All premises upon which rag flock is manufactured or stored for sale, or is used
for the purpose of making bedding, upholstery or other household furniture should be registered,
and the use for those purposes of unregistered premises should be prohibited.
(b) Filling Materials other than Rag Flock
(1) It should be an offence for any person to sell, offer for sale, or have in his
possession for sale any inclean filling material, or any finished article containing such
material; the Courts should be empowered to order the seizure and destruction of inclean
filling materials.
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