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8
The effect of the smoke control orders is now becoming evident. Measurements
made during the year show a satisfactory decline in the amount of smoke in the air compared
with previous years, and further reductions are to be expected. During the period
December 3rd to 8th there occurred the worst smog since 1952. Happily the mortality
associated with this episode was not nearly as great as happened ten years ago. Pollution
was at its worst on December 5th when the average smoke concentration for the day was
nearly 1,500 ugms. per cubic metre of air. A report by the Department of Scientific and
Industrial Research shows however, that at sites in neighbouring boroughs the average
smoke concentrations for the day were from 2,400 to 3,900 ugms. per cubic metre.
Not all atmospheric pollution comes from chimneys. At its meeting in July the
Council's attention was directed to pollution from motor vehicle exhausts. On the
Council's instruction a note on the subject was prepared and submitted to the Metropolitan
Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee. Subsequently, equipment to measure smoke in
the air at street level was purchased and is now in use.
I regret that little progress was made with the slum clearance programme during the
year. The County Council made a clearance order in respect of premises in Drury Lane.
The number of houses yet to be dealt with is small and I hope that in its essentials the
programme will be fulfilled.
More public health notices were served during the year than usual. Most of them
related to a single property which gave cause for some concern and considerably exercised
the public health inspectors.
Services to old people in the borough have been further extended. The old people
on our register number about 900 or just over a quarter of all persons of pensionable age
in the borough. This includes however, two-thirds of those over 80 years of age.
In November the Council decided to take full financial responsibility for the Mealson-Wheels
service, which continues to be provided by the W.V.S.
Inability to get out and about is probably the most serious misfortune of old age,
since not only are the mechanics of living hampered, but social life is seriously curtailed.
Thus on hearing that the W.V.S. were having difficulty in bringing members to the
handicapped club, the Council, in December, approved the purchase of a Minibus, suitably
adapted. The bus is now in full use.
The alterations to the bathing centre which included the installation of an additional
bath were completed in March, and enable us to offer a warm bath to elderly people who
do not have one at home, and are not agile enough to use the public baths.
Consequent on the publication by the Royal College of Physicians of their report
on the effects of smoking on health, an exhibition was arranged in the entrance hall of the
Central Library. Included were original displays produced in the department, and a
specimen of lung cancer obtained for us by Councillor Dr. Macdonald Critchley. In
addition to the usual display of double crown posters throughout the borough, a large
poster was commissioned and posted at Underground Stations in the borough.
This is my last annual report in Holborn and I wish to record my thanks to all the
members and officers of the Council who in their several ways have made the last few
years both memorable and pleasant for me. I am grateful in particular to the members
of my own department whose faithful and diligent work is here recorded.
I am,
Your obedient Servant,
G. W. PIPER,
Medical Officer of Health.