London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Romford 1964

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Romford]

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The following is a summary of the matters dealt with during
the year:—
Number of applications for Certificates 15
Number of Certificates issued 2
Number of Certificates cancelled NIL
Number of Undertakings accepted 13
Number of applications for Certificates as to remedying
of defects, "Form O." 7
Number of Certificates as to remedying of defects:—
Granted "Form P" 7
Refused NIL
SHOPS & OFFICES
Mr. S. F. Titterton, D.S.A.A., the Council's Senior Shops Inspector,
who works under the supervision of the Chief Public Health
Inspector has submitted the following report on the various duties
for which he is responsible. The shops inspectorate has been increased
by the appointment of Mr. M. Lee as an Assistant Shops
Inspector from the staff of the department.
Shops Act 1950
This Act consolidated a series of measures from 1912-1938 and
made no change in the law. It provides for the statutory closing
hours of shops, early closing days, restrictions on the opening of
shops on Sunday, and maximum working hours of young persons.
The health and welfare provisions contained in sections 37-39 have
been repealed by the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act
1963. Shops authorities have a definite responsibility to enforce
the law.
Closing hours and Sunday trading continue to be controversial,
particularly with the trades there is a division of opinion whether
to restrict the opening of shops to five days or extend the present
arrangements of 5 ½ days to six days a week, excluding Sunday.
In February of this year, the Home Secretary's enquiry into
the Shops Act 1950 (excluding Sunday) brought forward many
suggestions in what form a new Bill should take. It is understood
that Part 1 of the Act which deals with early closing days and
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