CONSUMER PROTECTION

From the 1960s onwards legislation was passed concerning consumer safety and consumer protection. This legislation includes the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 which prohibits false descriptions about goods and services; The Consumer Credit Act 1974 which regulates the provision of credit, and the Consumer Protection Act 1987 which covered the safety of consumer goods and also dealt with misleading prices.

In the 1990s legislation has largely been from the European Parliament or has enacted European Directives. This has included the General Product Safety Regulations which has the requirement that consumer products are safe.

ADMINISTRATION

In the Middle Ages, enforcement of weights and measures, and food statutes was in the hands of the Monarch’s local agents. This could mean the local courts, magistrates or sheriffs. Trade Guilds often regulated food transactions in order to control quality.

In 1340 the post of the Clerk of the Market was established. The postholder in each town was responsible for ensuring that all false weights and measures were destroyed.

Acts of Parliament in 1834 and 1835 established the post of Inspector of Weights and Measures, and the Adulteration of Food and Drugs Act 1872 created the position of Food Sampling Officers.

Today Inspectors of Weights and Measures, or Trading Standards Officer as they are now known, are employed by Local Authorities.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Environment, Housing & Neighbourhood Dept, Public Protection Service, Davyfield Road Depot, Roman Road Industrial Estate, Blackburn, BB1 2LX
Telephone:  (Consumer Advice)  08454 040506   (Trader Advice)  (01254) 267677    Fax: (01254) 267672
e-mail: [email protected]

Copyright © Blackburn with Darwen 2021