Public Stores Act 1875

The Public Stores Act 1875 (38 & 39 Vict. c. 25) is an act of the Parliament of 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including "any public department or office, or of any person in the service of Her Majesty."^[1] Although in parts now superseded by subsequent legislation, or otherwise defunct, some sections are still in force.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 1875^[a]

Act of Parliament
Long title	An Act to consolidate, with amendments, the Acts relating to the Protection of Public Stores.
Citation	38 & 39 Vict. c. 25
Territorial extent	United Kingdom
Dates
Royal assent	29 June 1875
Commencement	29 June 1875[b]
Other legislation
Repeals/revokes	Embezzlement of Public Stores Act 1697 War Department Stores Act 1867 Naval Stores Act 1869
Amended by	Statute Law Revision Act 1883 Territorial Army and Militia Act 1921
Status: Amended
Text of statute as originally enacted
Revised text of statute as amended
Text of the Public Stores Act 1875 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk.

Provisions

The act 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 they have reasonable grounds to suspect of carrying any aforementioned stores obtained illegally.^[4] This power of stop and search is still exercisable by constables. Other than the Poaching Prevention Act 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

• Broad arrow

Notes

1. Section 1.
2. The Acts of Parliament (Commencement) Act 1793.