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ADMINISTRATION OF THE SHOPS ACTS
The general arrangements for the administration of the Shops Acts were
set out on page 43 of the Report for 1935.
There are about 700 shops in Southall, and legislation in recent years
has been both progressive and rapid. There is therefore still a considerable
amount of routine work which requires to be done in the district to bring the
local standard up to the advantages allowed by the Acts.
Unfortunately there was a gap in the office of Shops Inspector from
January to September, except for a period from April 15th to May 23rd.
On the former date a newly appointed Inspector commenced duty and
on the 23rd May he met with a fatal accident. A successor was appointed and
commenced duty on September 13th, 1937.
The Shops (Sunday Trading) Restrictions Act, 1936, came into force on
1st May, 1937, and inspection has been intensified to ensure that the provisions
of this Act are not violated.
The requirements of the district are such that the Council has not deemed
it necessary to make any orders enabling shops to open for the sale of articles
named in Schedule II or III and such establishments therefore are unable
legally to open at any time on a Sunday.
No person of Jewish religion has made application to have premises
registered under Section 7 of the Act.
The provisions in the Act requiring compensatory holiday for Sunday
work improve the labour conditions in this sphere of employment but demand
frequent and constant re-inspections if employees are to enjoy their statutory
rights.
The statistics for the year are shown in the following table:—