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24
Table 2 shows for December, 1957 the dally breakdown
of temperature (indicated inversely), smoke and SO2 Taking
the year as a whole, as in Table 1, there can be no surprise
that as temperature rises so pollution falls. I think it
surprising, however, that pollution levels should oppose
temperature in such consistent fashion from day to day as is
indicated in Table 2.
Consistent depressions in the pollution graphs are
indicated at weekends (1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th etc.) and this is not
easily explained. It is tempting to argue that it is the
result of industry shut-down, or to suggest that domestic
fireplaces are in more consistent use at weekends. But
Christmas gave what was, in effect, a week's holiday in this
month, yet did not give the same indications.
Vale of Health Smoke Control Area
The Council having resolved that one part of the
Borough should be the first, or "pilot" Smoke Control Area, a
house-to-house survey was made in May and June. The area
concerned, the Vale of Health, must be nearly unique in London
in its character and location It is In effect a village of
some seventy occupied premises, no industry, and is surrounded
by Hampstead Heath. Any improvement brought about by smoke
control will be immediately apparent, yet it is true that
complete success will make a negligible contribution to the
problem as a whole, or even in the Borough. In fact, the
choice of the area was certainly open to argument as to whether
or not it was worthwhile. However, now that confirmation is
about to be given, It Is raising problems on fuels, conversions
and costs which will be of great value when the second and
larger Control Area, which is now under preliminary survey.
reaches implementation.
New heating installations
Towards the end of the year, applications for
approval of new heating installations began to come in. So
far, nearly all have been in respect of oil-burning appliances
and, subject to undertakings on instrumentation, type of oil
to be supplied, and full information on the manufacturers'
rating of both the boiler and the combustion unit, approval
is being indicated.
Complaints
During the year complaints have been received, and
found justified, of oil-fired plants which are emitting no