Commercial Activities (Sugar) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1922, No. 166, are regulations made under the Commercial Activities Act 1919, which was enacted to address the need for regulating commercial activities in Australia. This particular legislative instrument was introduced to specifically control the pricing and sale of sugar of a particular grade. The enacting body responsible for these regulations is the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The policy objective, as stated within the text, is to ensure that sugar of the grade known as 1A is sold at a price that does not exceed the prescribed amount, which includes the cost of delivery to the vendor. These regulations came into operation on the first day of November, 1922.

Scope and Application

The Commercial Activities (Sugar) Regulations 1922, made under the authority of the Commercial Activities Act 1919, pertain specifically to the regulation of the sale of sugar, particularly of the grade known as 1A. This legislative instrument applies to any person or entity involved in the sale of sugar within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulations establish a prescribed price for this grade of sugar, which includes a base price of Fivepence per pound plus the cost incurred by the vendor for the delivery of the sugar. The act extends to any individual or business selling sugar without adhering to the stipulated price, and any sale conducted in breach of these regulations is considered an offence, unless the sale has the written consent of the Minister of State for Trade and Customs. The regulations are national in scope, applying across the entire Commonwealth and do not specify any exclusions or exemptions other than those granted by the Minister. The Act's applicability may be further defined or modified through subordinate instruments, which could include additional regulations or amendments to existing ones.

Key Provisions

The Commercial Activities (Sugar) Regulations, as stipulated in Statutory Rules 1922 No. 166, primarily establish the price at which sugar of the grade known as 1A can be sold, as well as the consequences for selling it at a higher price without proper consent. Section 2 sets the prescribed price for this grade of sugar, which is Fivepence per pound plus the cost incurred by the vendor for delivery (Regulation 2). This section is crucial for maintaining a standard price for sugar, ensuring that consumers are not overcharged and that there is a level of fairness in the sugar market. Regulation 3 imposes a penalty on anyone who sells or offers for sale the aforementioned sugar at a price higher than the one prescribed without written consent from the Minister of State for Trade and Customs. This regulation aims to prevent price gouging and ensure compliance with the set price. The Act imposes specific obligations on parties involved in the sale of sugar. Firstly, sellers must adhere to the prescribed price set forth in Regulation 2, ensuring that the price of 1A grade sugar does not exceed Fivepence per pound plus delivery costs. This regulation is designed to maintain market stability and protect consumers from inflated prices. Furthermore, sellers must obtain written consent from the Minister of State for Trade and Customs before selling sugar at any price above the prescribed amount. This requirement ensures that any deviation from the standard price is authorised and monitored, thereby preventing unfair practices. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in serious consequences. Regulation 3 outlines that any person found selling or offering to sell 1A grade sugar at a price higher than the prescribed amount without the necessary written consent is guilty of an offence (Regulation 3). The exact nature of the offence and associated penalties are not detailed within these regulations; however, it is clear that non-compliance is taken seriously. Given the historical context, it is likely that the penalties could include fines or other legal repercussions, aiming to deter violations and ensure adherence to the established price controls.