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32
Blowfly Infestation.
The treatment with D.D.T. of the sidings at Ashburton Grove Refuse Disposal
Depot continued throughout the summer months. This treatment consisted of
dusting with D.D.T. powder the large area of railway track, the broken bottle pit,
the surrounding green areas and any other areas as circumstances required.
•
As and from April 1st this year the Council discontinued the separate collection
of kitchen waste. Whilst the scheme was necessary, due to the economic situation
of the country, numerous complaints were received by this Department and since
its commencement constant supervision was necessary in order to prevent fly-breeding
and smells from decomposing refuse. For some years arrangements were in operation
for the bins to be subject to a periodic washing and cleansing by the Cleansing
Department at the Depot and then to be treated on the site with D.D.T. powder.
Whilst the scheme continued, however, it was always open to abuse and a potential
source of nuisance. The borough has benefited from a public health point of view
by its discontinuation.
Atmospheric Pollution.
Public Health (London) Act, 1936—Part V.
Emission of Smoke.
Smoke abatement continues to be a matter of major concern to the Department,
the public, quite rightly, being smoke-conscious, particularly since the occurrence of
the London "Smog" in December, 1952. The Inspectors, too, are fully aware of
this fact, as is shown in the increased number of observations carried out and the
number of notices served.
Visits are paid and inspections made upon receipt of a complaint or as a
routine measure and, where necessary, the Inspectors demonstrate to the stoker and
other staff concerned, including factory owners and managers, how to stoke a furnace
without giving rise to a smoke nuisance. Technical advice is given and any difficulties
discussed at the time. Visits of this nature are of inestimable value to employers
and employees, as well as the general public.
Although the emission of smoke from factories is controlled by statute, the
emission of domestic smoke is free from any such restriction.
In November of this year the Report of the Committee on Air Pollution, under
the Chairmanship of Sir Hugh Beaver, was published. The problem of air pollution
is a difficult one and so many factors have to be considered. It is estimated that
nearly half of all the smoke in the atmosphere is from domestic chimneys and in a
densely built-up area, such as Islington and its contiguous boroughs, this is
considerable.
Much has been done by fitting grates suitable to burn smokeless fuels in new
houses and flats and to convert existing ones but when this has been done there is
no guarantee that smokeless fuel will be available in sufficient quantities and at an
economical cost. In fact, it will be some considerable time before the consumer can
be assured of a guaranteed supply. In addition, increased storage space will have
to be provided. In certain areas smokeless zones have been created. It is, however,