View report page

44
Causes of cancer have still to be fully determined and while
uncertainty exists, action to minimise potential risks is vital.
Atmospheric pollution may yet be proved to be a potential factor in
lung cancer as is suggested by the comparative rates for urban and
rural areas.
The Beaver Report is so comprehensive that a brief summary of
its contents is impracticable. The Committee stated that the
securing of clean air should be a declared national policy and that
their recommendations for this policy (after the ' immediate action'
recommended in their interim report has been implemented) briefly
covered the following :—
Legislation—Prohibition of dark smoke.
Obligation for new industrial plants to instal efficient
grit and dust-arresting plant.
Special industrial processes presenting technical diffi—
culty concerning emission of harmful gases to be
covered by an amended Alkali Act.
General legislation regulating design of new industrial
furnaces.
Local Authority to be made responsible for stricter
control of smoke from railways, etc.
Power for Local Authorities to establish smokeless
zones and areas in which domestic use of bitumin—
ous coal would be restricted.
Financial assistance by Local Authorities and Ex—
chequer towards costs of conversion of appliances
in smoke controlled areas.
Domestic heating appliances to be of approved types.
Purchase Tax to be removed from gas and electric
heaters.
With certain exceptions, responsibility for enforcing
the law to be a statutory duty of Local Authorities.
Local Authorities to submit to the appropriate Minister
annual reports on progress regarding smoke abate—
ment.
Other Recommendations—
Codes of practice and standard specifications for smoke
indicators and recorders, etc.