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and it was said "It did this 'House' no good when legislation of this
kind was not carried out in accordance with the wishes of Parliament."
Be that as it may, I think in fairness to this Authority who
are mindful of their responsibilities imposed them by the Act of
1950 and who cannot be indicted in this respect that a brief resume
be given on what has been done in this connection since my appointment
in February 1954.
Of the 4,335 contraventions detected during the period 1954/
1961, 500 related to sanitary accommodation, washing facilities,
temperature and ventilation, provision of staff rooms and sitting
facilities. In addition matters concerning cleaning, means of escape,
obstructions and defective electrical fittings were dealt with under
other Acts. Regarding what is termed 'conditions of employment'
251 offences were detected concerning failure to allow assistants
a weekly half-holiday, Sunday holidays, intervals for rest and meals
and the employment of young persons beyond the permitted hours.
Summonses were issued for eighty-nine offences and fines amounting
to £203 10s. Od. were imposed.
Shops Act, 1950
Routine visits and observations were made on all shops within
the Borough during the year and in particular in the evenings and
on Sundays. The shopping habits of the public have not fundamentally
changed from that of last year, most shops close by 6 p.m.
though there has been a slight increase in certain trades to keep
open until 8 p.m. on Friday. The adoption of a five-day week is
gaining ground and that now an agreement has been signed between
the Multiple Grocers Association and U.S.D.A.W. (Union of Shop
Distributive and Allied Workers) on the adoption of a five-day
week (one whole day or two half-days) there is every possibility
there will be an acceleration in this direction by other organisations
representing the retail trades.
Sunday trading continues to be a complex matter and it should
denoted in this connection that a Committee on Sunday Observance
is in session and over 100 organisations interested in this aspect
have given evidence. There is, however, no indication when this
Committee is likely to report to the Government.
The Act, with its limitations has been enforced as can be seen
in the schedule of this report.
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