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The Islington No.26 Order, which covers 507. 4 acres, and the Islington No.27 Order,
covering 420 acres, were made by the Council in July and were confirmed by the Ministry
of Housing and Local Government in November. An objection to Order No.26 had, however, to
be overcome to the satisfaction of the Ministry. This delayed its confirmation.
The preliminary survey of the proposed Nos.28 and 29 Smoke Control Areas was well
under way by the end of the year. Subject to the Council making these Orders and their
being confirmed by the Ministry, they could come into operation on 1st October 1969. This
would complete the Smoke Control Programme for the Borough.
Clean Air Progress in Islington
The atmosphere in Islington was much cleaner, and there was a noticeable reduction in
smoke emission generally. Episodes of high smoke pollution, exceeding 1,000 microgrammes
per cubic metre of air, were rare. No 'smog' has been recorded for several years. This thick,
often yellow, acrid smog which used to hang over the Borough for days at a time, causing
disruption to traffic, distress to elderly people and the use of smog masks, disappeared.
There was no appreciable reduction in the sulphur dioxide content of the atmosphere.
Considerable research was carried out on a national scale in regard to this serious pollutant.
During the year the Minister of Housing and Local Government issued Circular 25/27 by
virtue of which the advice to Local Authorities about the supply of smokeless fuels was
co-ordinated. Comprehensive advice covering the whole range of solid smokeless fuels was
now obtainable from one representative.