I hope they won't envisage a reign of terror Weights and measures inspector Leslie Griffiths

The alarm has already been raised by the Gramophone Record Retailers Association, which says many long-playing records, or LPs, have been labelled misleadingly as "stereo" when they are not, in fact, genuine stereophonic recordings.

Angus McKenzie, technical officer of the association, has warned retailers they may face prosecution under the new act.

Many of the larger department stores say the new law will not make any difference as they already insist on accurate labelling.

But in one London department store, Selfridges, salesmen have been given a briefing on how to mark up price reductions for the forthcoming January sales.

Only products which have been on sale in store for 28 days in the preceding six months at a higher price can be marked as genuine reductions.

The Trade Descriptions Act replaces the Merchandise Marks Act which has been in place since the mid-19th century dealing specifically with the regulation of trade marks.

Weights and measures spokesman Leslie Griffiths said: "From the point of view of the traders, I hope they won't envisage a reign of terror. We shall act as much as we possibly can in an advisory capacity.

"Of course any case of deliberate fraud or gross carelessness will be put before local authorities and they may recommend legal proceedings, but by and large we shall endeavour to administer this act by advice and persuasion."

Some retailers have expressed concerns about the damage the act will do to trade.

There has also been some criticism of the act for failing to provide adequate protection for the consumer who purchases faulty goods by way of compensation.

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