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41
The Shops Act 1912.
„ „ 1913.
„ „ (Hours of Closing) Act 1928.
„ „ Act 1934.
„ 1936.
The Retail Meat Dealers' Shops (Sunday Closing)
Act 1936.
The Shops (Sunday Trading Restriction) Act 1936.
The Young Persons (Employment) Act 1936.
Shops Regulations 1912, 1913, 1934, 1937.
Having regard to the complexity of these Acts, with
their numerous special provisos and exemptions, it is not
surprising that many shopkeepers fail to realize their obligations
under the Acts until their attention is directed to
particular requirements. There is a real need for the application
to Shops Law of the three 'c's'—Consolidation,
Codification and Clarification.
The fact that no legal proceedings were found necessary
against any shopkeeper during 1938, is indicative of
their general desire to co-operate with the Local Authority.
OFFICES.
Offices are now regarded as coming within the scope
of the Public Health Act 1936 as workplaces and are subject
to inspection. Such matters as cleanliness, ventilation,
sanitary conveniences and air space receive particular attention.
There are not a great number of these premises in
the town but it is intended to inspect all offices as opportunity
presents itself.
SMOKE ABATEMENT (C 3 (vi)).
Eight complaints of alleged excessive smoke or grit
were received during the year 1938, compared with four
during the year 1937. These complaints were caused by
purely local conditions and were investigated and dealt
with immediately. The smoke nuisance, however, is not
one which knows boundaries, and this Borough may easily
suffer from smoke produced in other districts. It is for
this reason that the problem can best be dealt with in a
regional manner, and it is satisfactory to be able to report
that the formation of an Advisory Committee on Smoke
Abatement for the Greater London Area was well in hand
at the end of the year 1938. (Note.—The Committee has
since been formed).