I refer to the editorial entitled Consumer Protection Stays On Back Burner (May 11). The Consumers' Association concurs fully with the view expressed that shops should be allowed to trade even on public holidays or weekends.

Society, whether we like it or not, has changed and the reality is that many couples find it convenient to do their shopping over the weekend given that in today's society both partners in marriage work during the day.

For most, the only time when they can do their shopping is after office hours or during the weekend. Hence it is nonsensical to actually levy fees if traders choose to open their outlets on public holidays.

We believe that the prime consideration should be the convenience of consumers while ensuring that the rights of employees are not unnecessarily undermined. In Italy, for example, a normal practice is for some shops to open over a weekend and then close on a Monday. This is something that already happens with many of our restaurants. Frankly we do not see why it should not be extended to other sectors of trade.

The editorial also expresses concern about the delay by the government in taking forward its proposals to set up a consumer protection agency.

We share such concern. While we appreciate that certain measures may take time to implement, we do believe that that the government should, in full consultation with the stakeholders including The Consumers' Association, take the necessary concrete measures to have in place a well-resourced entity effectively able to act in a proactive manner to ensure that consumer rights are safeguarded.