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54
Shops
The control of shops and effective administration of the
legislation relating thereto are secured by systematic visitation,
Investigations and visits were made on the weekly half-holiday
after the general closing hour and on Sundays at certain times
throughout the year. Complaints of unfair trading were promptly
dealt with, Verbal and written advice and information has been
given to many shopkeepers in the Borough and it has been found
that the majority of them are willing to fulfil their obligations
as required by the Act.
The Shops Bill,introduced in the House of Lords in 1956
was after much discussion and many amendments finally dropped by
the Government due to lack of Parliamentary time The loopholes
and anomalies in the present legislation still exist. Such terms
as "meals and refreshments" "newly cooked provisions" and "other
articles of a perishable nature" are not defined and create
difficulties for shopkeepers trying not to break the law, and for
those who have to enforce the law It can only be hoped that
consideration for some amending legislation will be made in the
near future
The following is a summary of inspections, patrols and
observations made during 1957.and relevant action taken
Inspections
1 284 shops have been systematically inspected prescribed
notices, records of employment etc have been examined and the
necessary information obtained for keeping an up to date register
of shops in the Borough.