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lished proposals to amend the Shops Acts 1950-1965 and organisations
have been invited to submit their comments by the 28th
February, 1966. In the introduction to these proposals it states :
" Her Majesty's Government desire to make two things clear. They
regard retail distribution as a key sector of the economy, in which
if the national objectives for faster economic growth and rising
living standards are to be achieved there will need to be, as in
other sectors, greater efficiency in the use of resources and in particular
greater productivity. There is also the obvious need to
ensure that retail distribution provides maximum service to the
community, consistent with efficient use of resources and reasonable
working conditions for its employees."
The results of the Home Office enquiry will be of great interest
locally.
A total of 1,206 visits and observations were made under the
above Acts and the following contraventions were noted :—
(1) Early Closing Day
Failing to exhibit Notices 72
Failing to observe the Regulations 6
(2) Evening Closing Hours
Failing to close shop for serving of customers 5
(3) Sunday Trading
Failing to close shop on Sunday for serving of
customers 15
Failing to observe the Regulations 13
(4) Conditions of Employment
Failing to exhibit Notice as to Assistant's weekly
half-holiday 11
Failing to allow assistant's half-holiday 5
Failing to allow proper intervals for meals and rest 1
Failing to exhibit abstract of Act and keep records
of young persons 14
Failing to keep record of Sunday employment 4
Failing to allow holiday in lieu of Sunday employment
1
There were eight prosecutions for contravening the Sunday
Provisions of the Act and fines of £36 were imposed ranging from
£3 for a first offence to £10 for a second offence. The Council were
awarded 9 guineas costs.
Consumer Protection Act, 1961
This Act gives power for regulations to be made on safety
requirements and construction of certain goods likely to cause
death or personal injury. Many visits and inspections were made
and under the Oil Heaters Regulations, 1963, a market stallholder
was prosecuted and fined £3 and with 3 guineas costs for selling an
unsuitably guarded appliance.
91