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12
In the last ten years emissions of smoke over th e
whole country are reported to have fallen by 35%. In
London during the same period smoke has decreased by 60%,
and this reduction is attributed mainly to the establishment
of smoke control areas.
Industrial Smoke
In recent years, a marked reduction in the emission
of smoke from industrial establishments has been evident
throughout the Borough. This has been brought about
largely by the cordial spirit of co-operation which has
been established between the Public Health Department and
local industry. Many requests have been received for
advice on combustion or smoke problems. There is now a
successful tripartite association between the Department,
local industry and the National Industrial Fuel Efficiency
Service.
Smoke Nuisances
Complaints of nuisances from smoke other than from the
chimney of a dwelling have resulted from open or closed
incineration. Open incineration usually takes the form of
an ordinary garden bonfire, or the burning of material i n
the open for the reclamation of mineral matter as is often
practised in car-breakers' and 'totters' yards. Closed
incineration sometimes results in smoke being emit ted
through a chimney (but not of a dwelling). These complaints
at times involve not only smoke but also partly burned or
charred material.
These nuisances may be dealt with under Section 16 of
the Clean Air Act, 1956, but it has not been necessary to
take legal proceedings in any instance so far. A visit
and a warning letter to the offender has always had t he
effect of securing co-operation in the Council's efforts
to clear the air of impurities.