Public Stores Act 1875


The Public Stores Act of 1875 is a piece of legislation in the United Kingdom which applied to all stores under the care of the Secretary of State, including "any public department or office, or of any person in the service of Her Majesty."[1] Although in parts now superseded by subsequent legislation, or otherwise defunct, some sections are still in force. This includes a power of stop and search that is still available to police constables today.

Public Stores Act
Act of Parliament
Long titleAn Act to consolidate, with amendments, the Acts relating to the Protection of Public Stores.
Citation1875 c.25 38 & 39 Vict.
Territorial extentUnited Kingdom
Dates
Royal assent29 June 1875
Commencement29 June 1875 (1875-06-29)
Other legislation
RepealsWar Department Stores Act 1867
Naval Stores Act 1869
Status: Amended
Text of statute as originally enacted
Text of the Public Stores Act 1875 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk.
Revised text of statute as amended

The Act

The legislation created various offences relating to the destruction or concealment of such stores,[2] unlawfully possess or steal such stores,[3] and also empowered police constables to stop and search any vehicles or vessels in which he has reasonable grounds to suspect is carrying any aforementioned stores which had been obtained illegally.[4] This power of stop and search is still exercisable by constables today. Other than the Poaching Prevention Act of 1862, it is the oldest search power in UK legislation.[5]

The act also prohibited searching for stores, or sweeping or dredging within 100 yards of any naval base, wharf or warehouse, or moored vessel of the Royal Naval or any such properties belonging to the Royal Artillery.[6]

See also

References
  1. "Section 3". The Public Stores Act 1875. legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  2. "Section 5". The Public Stores Act 1875. legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  3. "Section 7". The Public Stores Act 1875. legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  4. "Section 6". The Public Stores Act 1875. legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  5. "PACE Codes of Practice - Code A" (PDF). Government of the United Kingdom. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  6. "Section 8". The Public Stores Act 1875. legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
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