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122
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Today a great deal is heard about Consumer Protection, a matter
which has no doubt exercised the minds of individuals since the days when
trading or the exchanging of goods commenced. From these early days we
have proceeded via a multiplicity of statutes and regulations to the point
of having a Consumer Council. This is an independent body, financed by
government grant. Its job is to inform itself about consumer problems
and matters affecting consumer interests, to promote action to deal with
such problems and provide advice for the customer.
On the behalf of the public the Consumer Council is therefore
interested in all the various services that are provided for the public, for
goods of all kinds and, in fact, for almost everything that affects the daily
life of every individual.
Much of the work Local Authorities have been undertaking for many
years has been within the field of Consumer Protection. The Food and
Drugs Act, the Food Hygiene Regulations, the dozens of statutory
instruments relating to the composition of food, the Orders relating to the
labelling of food, the legislation relating to milk, to ice cream, to the
slaughtering of animals and to meat inspection are but a few of the more
obvious services through which this form of protection is given.
Health Education and the advice and instructions given to the public
on matters relating to health, welfare and hygiene are further examples of
the work already being done in this field. Then, too, there is a wealth of
legislation relating to Weights and Measures, and to the standards to which
various articles and materials must conform. In this Report reference is
made to the sampling that has been undertaken during the year in respect
of milk, water and food-stuffs of all kinds. This is all done in the interest of
Consumer Protection.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the terms "Consumer
Protection" and "Consumer Council" is the image theyaie creating in the
mind of the general public; an image that there is a Council in no way
connected with Town Halls, who will give publicity to any shortcomings
in respect of commodities or services. This is all to the good, for public
opinion remains one of ihe most powerful of forces and is able to achieve
a great deal in a very short space of time. The publicity that a Consumer
Council can provide will help Local Authorities by drawing the attention
of the public to the many services that are provided and which, for their
complete success, demand the co-operation of the public.
MERCHANDISE MARKS ACT, 1926, et seq
This is an Act closely linked with Consumer Protection in that it
relates to the marking and description of both imported and home
produced foodstuffs.
During the year some 200 inspections were made pursuant to this Act
and the orders relating to the labelling of food.