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most important from the health point of view as it contains very damaging chemicals, e.g. organic
acids and tarry materials which are in a fine state of division and therefore carried suspended in the
air and breathed into the lungs with each breath. Much of the chronic bronchitis which occurs in
this country undoubtedly owes its origin to atmospheric pollution and every sufferer, as also every
heart case, is adversely affected by atmospheric pollution. The Clean Air Act, 1956, enables local
authorities to control the pollution of the atmosphere in their area by declaring the area, or parts
of it, a Smoke Control Area.
Smoke Control is effected as regards householders by prohibiting the use of coal in open fires
and requiring them to use a smokeless fuel, e.g. coke or some other solid smokeless fuel, gas, electricity
or oil, and an approved type of appliance. Grants are available towards the approved cost of
conversion of existing grates, etc. and for the installation of new ones.
The need for urgent action to reduce pollution has been recognised by most local authorities
and great progress has been made, especially in the Greater London Area where by 1969 approximately
75% of the premises were in Smoke Control Areas.
Industry has tackled the problem by installing modern improved and more efficient heating
plant or by changing to types of fuel other than coal. There are a few industries where due to
technical and manufacturing problems it has so far been impossible to eliminate all sources of
pollution. Many of these industries are controlled by the Alkali Inspectorate of the Ministry of
Housing and Local Government, with whom close liaison is maintained. The cement works to the
east of Bexley come within this category and the Council is represented by elected Members, the
Medical Officer of Health and the Chief Public Health Inspector on the Thames-side Joint Committee
for the Abatement of Atmospheric Pollution, which is composed of representatives of
local authorities in North-east Kent and South Essex.
Measurements of smoke, S02 and deposited matter are made continuously at a number of
points in the Borough. Five standard deposit gauges and one directional deposit gauge are in
operation and in addition, four standard volumetric gauges are installed at premises for the purpose
of measuring sulphur dioxide and smoke. Measurements of both sulphur dioxide and smoke continue
to show an increase during the winter months and it is considered that this is due to pollution
from domestic premises.
On the 1st April 1965 four Smoke Control Areas totally 1807 acres and containing 9298
premises were in operation, and one area covering 1480 acres and containing 6195 premises in the
Crayford area awaited confirmation by the Minister.