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37
traps were successful in collecting a coniderable number of the marked flies released.
The flies caught were taken back to the Laboratory, and sorted under a geiger
counter. Results showed that such flies spread over the district at the rate of at
least one mile per day, and infested all types of premises at which traps were placed.
In view of the local interest, Mr. A. A. Green of the Pest Infestation Laboratory of the D.S.I.R. gave a talk, illustrated by slides to members of the Council in
November of this year.
The experiments carried out during last and this year have proved most
satisfactory, and the findings of the Pest Infestation Laboratory will no doubt result
in benefit not only to this Council but to other Local Authorities throughout the
country who are faced with a similar problem.
Thanks are due to the Cleansing Superintendent, to the Representatives of the
D.S.I.R. and to Dr. B. Hobbs of the Central Health Laboratory, Colindale, for their
co-operation and for the assistance given in order that the treatment and experiment
may be carried out satisfactorily.
Steam Disinfection.
32,390 articles of clothing or bedding were subjected to steam disinfection at
the Disinfecting Station(17,348 for clothing contractors.)
In addition 4 tons 2 cwts. of material was disinfected for clothing contractors.
Public Health (London) Act, 1936—Emission of Smoke.
The public is becoming increasingly interested in and concerned with pollution
of the atmosphere. It should be appreciated that Local Authorities have no powers
to take any action to deal with the emission of smoke from domestic fires, which it
is estimated is responsible for at least 50% of the total smoke emission in a Borough
such as Islington during the winter months. The possible effects of smoke, and
smoke combined with fog on health have been the subject of comment on page 11
(Malignant Growths of Lung and Bronchus), and page 18 (Influenza and
Pneumonia).
The Council appointed two representatives to serve on the London and Home
Counties Smoke Abatement Advisory Council for this year.
Factory owners and their staffs continued to co-operate as much as possible,
and in one case the whole boiler plant and stack was overhauled and on the recommendation of the Fuel Research Station, special doors were fitted to the Lancashire
Boiler, which were designed to eliminate the emission of smoke. As a result the
nuisance, which was a major one, has been mitigated.
Complaints of smoke nuisance caused by the discharge of excessive smoke from
the chimney of a Government store in the Borough were received during the year.
These were confirmed and the attention of the appropriate Minister was drawn to
this nuisance, as provided for under Section 154 of the Public Health (London)
Act, 1936. As a result, the necessary steps were taken and no further nuisance
was reported.
Thanks are due to the Ministry of Fuel and Power for the assistance of its
representatives who have readily given to factory proprietors and their staff the
benefit of their experience and advice.