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55
In this connection it is as well to remember that much of
the original work of the Department of Scientific and Industrial
Research on air pollution was carried out at Greenwich and that
the results obtained by this organisation were mainly responsible
for the introduction of the Clean Air Act. At Warren Spring
Laboratory the D.S.I.R. is still actively engaged on atmospheric
pollution chiefly on behalf of the Ministry of Housing and Local
Government and at present it is examining a German method of
removing sulphur compounds from flue gases. Recently it has
developed devices for taking measurements of air pollution over
long periods and these have been produced commercially and are
on sale to local authorities.
Clean Air Act, 1956. Provisions relating to the installation of
new furnaces, smoke control areas, height of chimneys, research
and publicity, came into operation on the 31st December, 1956,
whilst the remaining provisions became effective on the 1st June,
1958.
In accordance with the Alkali, etc. Works Order, 1958, the
Minister of Housing and Local Government has indicated the works
located in the Borough which will be subject to the control of the
Alkali Inspector under the Alkali, etc. Works Regulation Act,
1906 ; the works will include such industries as metal smelting and
synthesis, gas works, electricity generation, etc. In these instances,
however, it is understood that the Alkali Act deals only with the
particular processes which are registered under the Act. Any other
works, processes or plant carried on or operated at the premises—
e.g. ordinary power plant fired by coal or oil—will not come under
the Alkali Act but will be subject to the relevant provisions of the
Clean Air Act, 1956.
A new Alkali, etc. Works Order, 1961, came into operation
on the 1st of January, 1962 and whilst inter alia the Order defines a
Caustic Soda Works so to include some of its products, it adds to
the list of noxious or offensive gases, fumes containing uranium,
beryllium, selenium, sodium potassium or their compounds, and
carbon monoxide.
Within the Borough a Smoke Inspector and an Assistant are
employed full time on duties in connection with atmospheric pollution
and with the surveying and supervising of smoke control
areas.