London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Kensington 1963
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington Borough]
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The following table shows the final figures in respect of the conversion of fireplaces (except in Council property) in dwelling houses and other buildings in Smoke Control Areas completed by the end of the year:-
| Area | No.of dwellings where fireplace conversions were carried out | Total amount of grants paid to applicants | Total amount ofExchequer contribution | Total cost ofstatutory grants made by Council in respect of private dwellings | Total amount of discretionary grants paid by Council under Section 15 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holland Ward (No.l) | 135 | £1564. 1. 9 | £ 893.14. 0. | £ 670. 7. 9. | £100. 3. 6. | |
| Holland Ward (No.2) | 191 | £2550. 3.11 | £1457.5. 1. | £1092.18.10. | £ 34.14. 6. | |
| Holland Ward (No.3) | 327 | £3439.13. 4 | £1965.10. 6. | £1474. 2.11. | £ 64.13.11. | |
| Pembridge Ward (No.1) | 209 | £2577.15. 5 | £1473.0.3. | £1104.15. 2. | £183.10.11. | |
| Pembridge Ward (No.2) | 281 | £4797.15.11 | £2731.11.11. | £2066. 4. 0. | £623. 5. 6. | |
New furnaces. Section 3 requires that new furnaces, not used
mainly for domestic purposes and exceeding a specified capacity, shall
be so far as is practicable, smokeless. Any person installing such a
furnace must give prior notice to the Council and may submit detailed
plans and specifications for approval before the work of installation
takes place.
During 1963, 17 notifications were received, and two applications
for approval of plans, etc. were approved.
Smoke emissions. The Sections of the Clean Air Act, 1956,
which relate to industrial smoke came into force on 1st June, 1958.
Up to that date emissions of industrial smoke were dealt with under
the provisions of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936.
The provisions mainly affecting the Council are contained in
Section 1, which prohibits the emission of dark smoke (except for
certain periods laid down by regulation) and Section 16 which deals
with smoke nuisances.
During the year 51 complaints of smoke nuisance were received
and 28 formal smoke observations were carried out. Remedial measures
in all cases except one were secured without further proceedings. Two
summonses were issued in respect of the emission of smoke from premises
in a Smoke Control Area; convictions were obtained and fines totalling
£6. 0. 0. were imposed and £2. 2s. Od. costs awarded to the Council.
Routine measurement of atmospheric pollution. The two
stations used by the Council for measuring atmospheric pollution by
means of deposit gauges were discontinued as from 1st January, 1963.
The three smoke measuring stations set up at the following
premises have, however, continued to operate:-
(1) Public Health Department, Hornton Street, W.8.
(2) Public Library, Ladbroke Grove, W.10.
(3) L.C.C. Child Welfare Centre, Redcliffe Street, S.W.lO.