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Atmospheric Pollution
The Atmospheric Pollution Stations set up by the Council at the request of the
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in 1953 have continued to function
during the year and have afforded valuable information of grit and smoke in various areas
of the Borough.
Owing to Fulham s geographical situation and long river boundary on the fringe of
which several public undertakings and industrial works are sited, the investigation and
prevention of atmospheric pollution is always a priority. It should be remembered that
in these industries 1% million tons of coal are burned each year, to which should be
added 60,000 tons which are burned for domestic purposes. Legislation, i.e. the Clean
Air Act 1956 quickly followed the Beaver Committee s Report on Atmospheric Pollution and
certain sections of the Clean Air Act became law on 31st December, 1956, Included in
these sections is the provision of Smoke Control Areas.
In January 1956 a fog occurred in the Metropolitan Area, which persisted for three
days, the effects of which are referred to in another part of the report (page 12).
Food and Drugs Act. 1955
Food Hygiene Regulations, made under the Food and Drugs Act came into operation in
two stages (a) on the 1st January, 1956 and (b) on the 1st July, 1956. The coming of
these Regulations was a major event from the point of view of food hygiene, which
included food handlers and the food premises as well as the food itself. They were made
with the express purpose of preventing food poisoning and securing clean and safe food
all along the line from manufacturer or producer to consumer, whether they are served in
the open or in a shop or cafe.
Meetings were held with heads and owners of businesses. Canteen Managers and Street
Traders in the Borough. All sections of the community dealing with food have shown
interest and concern to comply with the Regulations.
In the first year of working of the Regulations, there has been some definite
improvement in the standards of hygiene and whilst much remains to be done, there is
every prospect that the Council s continued policy of seeing that the public get clean
safe food, handled by clean food handlers, stored and served in clean food premises, is
being increasingly implemented and operated to the advantage of all.
A "Clean Food Campaign" was held from October 1956 to March, 1957 ; during which
time good and effective work was done amongst the food traders but the public response
was somewhat disappointing, A full report of the campaign appears on page 64.
Care of the Elderly
This has been carried out by the Council s Old People's Welfare Committee which is
constantly expanding its activities and by Voluntary Associations.
Statutory visiting by the Council s Lady Public Health Inspector regarding assessment
under the National Assistance Act. 1948. Section 47, was actively continued.
In the section of this report which deals with "Personal Services, " the Council is
privileged to have contributions from several eminent workers in various fields, which
touch on the lives of the citizens of Fulham. I cordially thank the writers for their
very interesting and informative contributions, which are as follows
Dr. W. H. Keileher, Physician Superintendent Western Hospital, on the work of the
Hospital.
Dr. F. A. Nash Medical Director of South West London Mass X Ray Service, for his
report on the Mass Radiography Unit, which is now permanently stationed in Fulham.