London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Surbiton 1958
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Surbiton]
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NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT.1948.
It was not necessary to make any burial arrangements as
provided by Section 50 of the Act.
It was not necessary to make use of the powers of Section
47 for compulsory removal to suitable premises of sick or aged
persons in need of care and attention.
SHOPS ACT, 1950.
One hundred and twenty-three visits were made in the
administration of this Act, and four infringements corrected.
"Shop" for the purposes of this Act is a very comprehensive
term and includes any premises where any retail trade or business
is carried on.
The number of such premises in the Borough at the end of 1958 was:-
| Antique dealers and secondhand furniture | 10 |
| Bakers | 19 |
| Boots and shoes | 35 |
| Builders and Decorators supplies | 25 |
| Butchers | 38 |
| Cafes and Restaurants | 38 |
| Chemists | 23 |
| Confectioners, newsagents and tobacconists | 94 |
| Cycles, radio and television | 25 |
| Dairies | 8 |
| Drapers and Ladies'Outfitters | 48 |
| Electrical supplies | 10 |
| Fishmongers and Fried Fish Shops | 16 |
| General Stores | 12 |
| Greengrocers, Fruiterers, and Florists | 50 |
| Grocers and Provision Merchants | 83 |
| Hairdressers | 47 |
| Hardware, Ironmongery and Timber | 20 |
| Licensed Premises | 50 |
| Motor and Cycle Dealers and Engineers | 26 |
| Tailors and Outfitters | 22 |
| Upholsterers and House Furnishers | 12 |
| Watchmakers and Jewellers | 9 |
| Miscellaneous | 72 |
| 792 |
The present unsatisfactory state of the law with regard to
shops is to be deplored.
The 1950 Act is merely a consolidation of legislation passed
between 1912 and 1938 and is to a large degree outmoded.
Further, there have been many decisions given by the Courts
which have rendered much of the Act virtually incomprehensible
and consequently inoperable.
It seems most desirable for the sake of traders, public and
local authorities, as well as for Inspectors trying to carry out
their duties in a state of confusion, that the situation should
be straightened out at an early date.
49.