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and early closing day, Sunday trading, the type of goods which are
prohibited from sale at certain times, the employment of young persons,
and the keeping of records. During 1956, 2,871 visits were made to
shops in the Borough.
In October, 1956, after the matter had been considered by the
Public Health Committee, it was decided to circulate detailed information
to shopkeepers regarding their duties in regard to early closing
day and Sunday trading. This became necessary because there was
evidence that certain shopkeepers were not properly interpreting the
restrictions placed on them. It was felt that there might be adequate
excuse for this happening, for the Shops law in this respect is most
complicated and confusing. As a result of the explanatory circular,
however, there was a better understanding of the restrictive provisions
by shopkeepers, and there has since been an absence of complaint
that unfair trading arose from a contravention of the Act in this
respect.
A new Shops Bill is now before Parliament, and it is to be expected
that new legislation will do much to remove many anomalous situations
which arise under existing law.
I wish to express my thanks to my colleagues who have worked
with me so loyally during the year under review.
G. A. Webber,
Chief Public Health Inspector.
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