Legal proceedings

were mostly caused by low-flash oil. This was the same Sir Frederick Abel who devised the two statutory tests which bear his name-firstly, the open cup (I00°F.) test and latterly the comparable closed cup (73 °F.) test, which is still used for statutory purposes in this country today.

In these random facts one sees the simple beginnings from which has grown a complex international industry. Legislation in this country has kept pace with developments within the industry only because the temptation to control by regulation has been largely resisted. Wisely, use has been made of "empowering" Acts of which the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928 is the latest. These empowering Acts have enabled local authorities to consider each case and proposal on its merits and saved them from having to impose rigid restrictive regulations which often become out-dated and out-moded as rapidly as they are framed.

LIVERPOOL

Conveyance Regulations 16th January 1970, a Petroleum Tanker was 3,000 gallons of petroleum spirit into a storage tank situated on. the forecourt of licensed premises, during the. course ?f delivery a spillage of petroleum spirit occurred reqmred the services of the Fire Brigade in order to take measures explosion. to eliminate the risk of possible fire and

Follo:-ving an investigation by a Petroleum Officer, the person m charge of the storage tank was issued with two summonses, namely: S 1. Did contravene a certain regulation duly made by the State under Section 6 of the Petroleum (Con1 a et 1928, in that being the person in charge of a s ank, Permitted delivery into that tank to begin withmg all reasonable steps to secure that the connecting ose rough which the petroleum spirit was to be delivered a?d securely connected to the filling point of that w th: said regulation was at the date of the commission and still is in force contrary to Section 6 S 2· t Did contravene a certain regulation duly made by the :ry of State under Section 6 of the Petroleum (Conso 1 a !On) Act 1928, in that for the purposes of a delivery of petroleum spirit into a storage tank failed to keep a copy f such certificate iss.ued under No. 16 (7) for a periid of not less than six months, which said regulation was at th date of the commission of the said offence and still is in for e contrary to Section 6 of the said Act. ce

A plea of guilty was entered and on the first charge, the Magistrate fined the defendant the sum of £25 and on the second charge the defendant was given a conditional discharge of twelve months and to pay the costs at the sum of £20.

DURSLEY RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL

Storing Petroleum Spirit without a Licence

Legal proceedings were taken against a garage owner who failed to renew his petroleum licence. The case was heard at Magistrate's Court on 6th April, 1970; a fine of £15 was imposed plus £10 costs.

SHREWSBURY

Storing Petroleum Spirit without a Licence

Legal proceedings were taken against a firm of tent hirers who failed to renew their petroleum licence. The case was heard at Shrewsbury Magistrates' Court on Sth June, 1970; a fine of £5 was imposed plus £3 15s. Od. costs and £3 3s. Od. advocates' fee.