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CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PUBLIC CONTROL FUNCTIONS
CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 1961
Under this Act the Secretary of State may, by Regulations, specify conditions to be observed for any
prescribed class of goods.
To date, Regulations are in force for heating appliances (gas, electric and oil) nightdresses, carrycot
stands, electric appliances and toys.
Visits by the inspectors during the year totalled 5,139.
Heating Appliances - Heating appliances have been a subject of special concern in this Borough. New
appliances, as one would expect, usually comply, but there is a real danger in the sale of second-hand
appliances. During the year proceedings were instituted in five cases, all were successful and resulted in
fines and costs totalling £44, including a £3 fine for obstructing the inspector in the course of his duties.
Nightdresses - The Regulations for nightdresses specify that the materials should be flameproof or clearly
marked with a warning notice to keep away from fire.
The inspectorate has found that these regulations are often contravened. There were five cases
brought to the Courts in the year resulting in fines and costs totalling £55 being imposed. Of thirteen
suspect samples purchased twelve were found to be unsatisfactory.
Carrycots - The requirements have generally been complied with by manufacturers.
Toys - The Regulations for toys specify that with the exception of table tennis balls, no toy shall contain
cellulose nitrate (celluloid). They further specify the maximum amount of lead, soluble antimony, barium,
cadmium, and chromium that may be contained in the paint on toys.
These Regulations are causing serious concern to this and other Authorities. It is true to say that toys
can quite easily be purchased which contain celluloid and which have greatly excessive amounts of lead in
the paint.
Of 46 samples taken in the year, 23 were found on analysis to be unsatisfactory (12 on lead content
and 11 containing celluloid).
When infringements were found, the toys were traced back to the wholesaler and a list obtained of
retailers supplied. All authorities having such retailers in their area were then notified in order that they
might investigate. This information service was reciprocal and considerable investigation and correspondence
was involved.
Obviously, it is not easy for individual retailers to be sure that their stocks comply and it is a defence
for them to prove that they had reasonable cause to believe that all the requirements were satisfied. The
inspectors advise the retailers in their own interest to obtain a warranty with their goods but the majority
still do not do so and, as a result, when infringements are found they render themselves liable to prosecution.
Proceedings were taken in six cases; one case was adjourned, one withdrawn and the other four all
proven. Fines and costs totalled £51.
The offending toys were all imported and the inspectorate feel that these serious risks to the health
of children could best be prevented by action at the source of supply rather than by each authority having
to prosecute retailers.
SHOPS ACT, 1950
SHOPS (EARLY CLOSING DAYS) ACT, 1965
YOUNG PERSONS (EMPLOYMENT) ACTS 1938 AND 1964
These Acts govern the hours of opening for shops and the conditions for employment of staff.
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