View report page

-22-
In the case of Order No.4 , a large industrial undertaking within the
area made an objection to the Order. The Council was not prepared to give exemption
in this case, particularly as there was a history of dark smoke emissions giving cause
for offence. A number of meetings have been held between the objectors and
representatives of the Council with a view to the installation and proper use of
equipment leading to the total elimination of smoke. At the close of the year,
these matters were still under discussion and this one remaining part of Bethnal Green
will therefore not be smoke-free until 1964.
Fireplace conversions were carried out to meet the requirements of the
Council's Smoke Control Order No.5 and this became operative from November, 1963.
Emissions of smoke which are seen coming from chimneys in premises
already included in Smoke Control Orders lead to investigations at the premises. If
the heating appliance causing the smoke needs converting a notice under Section 12(2)
of the Clean Air Act is served. In those cases where coal is being used , particularly
on converted appliances, preliminary warning letters are sent to the offenders.
The severe winter of 1963 saw some temporary shortages of solid smokeless
fuels in the Borough but generally supplies are sufficient although not always of the
type most in demand. In the case of elderly tenants , emergency fuel supply
arrangements were made by the Old People's Welfare section.
Information gathered during the year shows a trend away from the use
of solid fuels towards gas and electricity for heating. This is particularly so where
married couples are both at work and require quick means of heating in the evenings.
The number of visits made by Public Health Inspectors in connection with
the application of the Clean Air Act are shown in Table 2 of this report. It is interesting
to note that of the 183 "smoke observations" also listed in Table 2, fifty-three were
"timed". That is, the length of time of each smoke emission from a chimney was
noted and the density of the smoke recorded according to the Ringelmann scale.
A further 1,487 visits were made by other staff in connection with estimates
submitted for fireplace conversions and later to check the completed works.
Two further atmospheric pollution measuring stations planned at the end
of 1962 were set up in 1963. One is situated on the roof of the Town Hall and one at the
Council's Public Baths in Cheshire Street. This gives the Council a total of three such
stations.
Daily records are taken in respect of the smoke filters and sulphur dioxide
content. This information is passed to the Warren Spring Laboratory who co-ordinate
the observations and in due course make their findings available to Local Authorities.
Hairdressers and Barbers
Section 18 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1954,
requires the registration of premises and the persons carrying on the business of
hairdressers or barbers thereat. At the end of the year, 53 premises were registered
and 87 inspections were made to them during the year. 17 notices were served in
respect of unsatisfactory conditions.