Trading standards & Consumer Protection
Local authorities have had responsibilities for protecting consumer and trader rights in one form or another since the 12th century. These include:
- control of weights and measures[1]
- monitoring and enforcing accurate description and labelling of goods[2]
- inspecting and enforcing standards of goods and materials[3]
- enforcing hallmarking of precious metals[4]
- enforcing age-restrictions on the sale of some goods (tobacco, alcohol, fireworks)[5]
The details of the responsibilities can be traced through a multiplicity of legislation. Most required the registration of premises or licensing of activities, resulting in registers, inspection reports and other records. Surviving records may be held by local authority archives services or council records management systems.
Initially royal burghs were responsible for implementing and enforcing standards. During the 19th century this was extended to police burghs and counties. In 1929 most responsibilities were limited to counties and large burghs. In 1973 these were transferred to regional and islands council and in 1994 to unitary councils.
Compiler: Elspeth Reid (2021)
Related Knowledge Base entries
Weights and measures – origins of weights and measures in Scotland
Weights and measures – Scottish distance and area
Weights and measures – Scottish Dry Capacity
Weights and Measures – Scottish Liquid Capacity
Weights and Measures – Scottish Weight
Bibliography
Ferguson, Keith, An introduction to local government in Scotland (The Planning Exchange, 1984)
Whyte, W. E., Local Government in Scotland (Hodge & Co, 1936)
References
[1] See, for example, Concerning all measures and weights, 1555. The Records of the Parliaments of Scotland to 1707, ed. by K.M. Brown and others (University of St Andrews, 2007-2021), A1555/6/21. <http://www.rps.ac.uk/trans/A1555/6/21> [accessed: 12 October 2021]; Weights and Measures Act, 1878 (41 & 42 Vict. c.49).
[2] Fabrics (Misdescription) Act 1913 (3 & 4 Geo. V c.17); Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act 1928 (18 & 19 Geo. 5. c.19); Consumer Protection Act 1961 (9 & 10 Eliz II c. 40); Fair Trading Act 1973; Consumer Credit Act 1974 (c.39); Consumer Protection Act 1987 (c.43).
[3] Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials Act 1951 (c. 63); Trade Descriptions Act 1968 (c. 29); Consumer Protection Act 1987 (c.43).
[4] Hallmarking Act 1973 (c.43).
[5] Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937 (1 Edw. VIII & 1 Geo. VI c.37); Fireworks Act 2003 (c.22).