London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Islington 1965
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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Detailed Survey of Smoke Control Areas
Since 1st April the hand-book issued by the Council was completely revised and
brought up-to-date. As far as possible when carrying out surveys, a 100% contact was
made and a complete record of potential hardship cases obtained. This personal
approach was much appreciated and encouraged good public relations. In recent surveys
it was found that approximately 45% of dwellings burn no solid fuel.
The North Islington No.7 Smoke Control Order (136 acres)
The following, which is typical, is a list of adaptations carried out in the area during the qualifying period.
| Approved grates with Gas Ignition | 518 |
| Approved grates with Back boilers and Gas Ignition | 2 |
| Free standing or inset solid fuel room heaters | 30 |
| Electric fires (allowed at that time) | 56 |
| Gas Fires | 175 |
| Electric 13 amp power points | 95 |
| Gas points | 271 |
| Electric off-peak night storage heaters | 4 |
| Electric fire lighters | 24 |
| Tiled surrounds | 150 |
| Brick sets | 12 |
| Gas pokers only | 20 |
| Gas coppers | 1 |
| Gas cookers | 1 |
| Approved oil heaters | 5 |
| Hardship grants (0. A. P.'s) | 140 |
Statistics
| Number of applications received for prior approval by local | authority of plans 5 |
| and specifications for new furnaces (Section 3(2)) | |
| Number of applications for prior approval granted | 5 |
| Number of notifications of intention to install furnaces | 12 |
| Inspections by Clean Air inspectors and assistants | 10,731 |
| Re-visits | 1,919 |
| Non-effective visits | 4,755 |
| Complaints received | 57 |
| Smoke observations | 288 |
| Contraventions found | 42 |
| Adaptations completed (domestic) | 738 |
| Notices served | 46 |
| Notices complied with | 22 |
| Prosecutions | - |
Regulations and Circulars
The following Regulations and Circulars were issued by the Ministry of Housing
and Local Government during the year in relation to Smoke Control Areas -
1. Circular No. 13/65 - 13 th March, 1965 - Supplies of solid smokeless fuel
It was considered by the Ministry that provided the producers increased their
production of premium fuels at a steady rate and made supplies available and that
freedom of choice regarding fuels and appliances was allowed to continue to operate
when future smoke control areas were established, there would be enough premium fuel
to meet demand;
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