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The practical measures taken by the Public Health Inspectors to mitigate pollution
of the atmosphere by smoke and grit included the taking of smoke observations of factory
chimneys, inspection of boiler installations, advice to boiler operatives on proper use
of fuel and stoking, and discussions with manual staff. Pour such observations were
carried out during the year, and a further 3,137 inspections were made in connection
with the establishment of smoke control areas. Special surveys are also in progress
for the scientific measurement of grit and dust deposit in specified parts of the
Borough. For this purpose four standard deposit gauges are being used, the results from
which are published monthly in the bulletin of the Department of Scientific and industrial
Research, with whom the Department is also co-operating in the national survey
of air pollution. The figures for the past three years are given in Table 3.
The Joint Conference of Neighbouring Local Authorities, first convened by Leyton
Borough in 1956 for the purpose of discussing matters of common interest in regard to
air pollution and exchange of ideas, met twice during the year, at Barking and at
Dagenham. The Chairman of the Public Health Committee, Alderman Mrs. Burrell, and the
Chief Public Health Inspector, are the Council's representatives on the London and Home
Counties Clean Air Advisory Council, the National Society for Clean Air, and the
Standing Conference of Co-operating Bodies set up by the D.S.I.R., and several meetings
were attended during the year.
As part of the National Survey of Air Pollution, daily observations are taken
throughout the year at the Sidmouth Road recording station. The results of these
volumetric measurements of smoke and sulphur dioxide are set out in detail later in
the report.
The statistical year of the survey ends on 31st March. Table No. 1 shows the
monthly average concentrations of smoke and sulphur dioxide, together with their ratios
(divided into summer and winter periods) for the year 1963/64. The figures for the
previous year are also shown for comparison. The average concentration of smoke for
the year 1963/64 was 136 microgrammes per cubic metre. This figure, together with that
for the year 1961/62, was the lowest recorded at Leyton since observations began in
1950. Table No. 2 gives the yearly average figures for the past 14 years; it will be
seen that the smoke figures show a marked reduction since the operation of smoke control
orders under the Clean Air Act. The results are also shown graphically.
Attention is drawn to the statistical section of the report which follows; it
contains full details of inspections and notices served under the Housing and Public
Health Acts, Rent Act, Food and Drugs Act, Orders and Regulations, the Offices, Shops
and Railway Premises Act, Clean Air Act, and other relevant legislation. Details of
improvements effected to dwelling houses and business premises as a result of informal
and statutory action; information regarding the institution of legal proceedings;
details of businesses and premises registered or licensed, sampling and inspection of
foodstuffs, and general information regarding the varied and ever-increasing activities
of the Department are also included.
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