View report page

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
On 1st October 1969 the last two Smoke Control Orders came into operation, thus completing the
smoke control programme for the Borough.
In the same month a comprehensive report was submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Local
Government on action taken by the Council during the previous two years to combat industrial noise under
the Noise Abatement Act 1960.
The Public Health Inspectorate continued to carry out its routine statutory functions in spite of staff
shortages and there was increased activity in the registration of night cafes and work under the Consumer
Protection Act 1961 and associated Regulations.
The Council's Training Scheme for Public Health Inspectors continued to be a valuable means of
obtaining qualified staff. Three students passed the Diploma examination during 1969 and were appointed
as Public Health Inspectors.
AIR POLLUTION
COMPLETION OF SMOKE CONTROL PROGRAMME
Very soon after the Clean Air Act 1956 was placed on the Statute Book, smoke control programmes
were prepared with completion targets of 1967 (Finsbury) and 1975 (Islington). The Councils supported
wholeheartedly the implementation of the programmes and it is a pleasure to report that the whole of the
present Borough, with the exception of a number of exempted areas, became smoke-controlled in October
of this year, i.e. six years before the target date. Thus Islington has made a very substantial contribution to
the clean air of London. The powers of Local Authorities were enhanced by the Act and for the first time
they were able to make the areas the subject of smoke control orders and to make reasonable expenditure
on the adaption of domestic appliances, to avoid their contravention. The Exchequer contribution was
40%; the Borough Council paid 30% and the owner, or occupier, paid the remaining 30%. It is not possible
at this stage to give the final cost of the programme, but at the end of the year the Council had paid
£112,676. 2s. 6d. in grants, the total cost of conversions being £164,914. 6s. 3d.
The duties in connection with the programme were allocated to the Public Health Inspectorate with
administrative and clerical support. It is due to the diligence, interest and co-operation of all staff concerned
that the programme, which was scheduled for completion in 1975, was finished this year.
The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research set up the Standing Conference of Co-operating
Bodies with a view to obtaining uniformity of practice and to discuss the various problems which arose. The
Conference met every six months and was attended by a member of the Council, the Medical Officer of
Health and the Chief Public Health Inspector.
The Council was similarly represented at meetings of the London and Home Counties Clean Air
Advisory Council until its last meeting in 1968; subsequently the Council has become associated with the
National Society for Clean Air.
In order to keep the Department supplied with up-to-date information, the Council subscribes to the
Clean Air Information Service (which supplies data regarding atmospheric pollution, furnaces and other
relevant material) and is represented at various local and national meetings of importance.
Since the implementation of smoke control, there has been a steady fall in smoke pollution and it is
hoped that this downward trend will continue. There has also been a slight general decline in the sulphur
dioxide content but much more research is necessary before this particularly difficult problem is solved
satisfactorily.
It is pleasing to record the appreciation of all concerned for the advice and co-operation received
from the officials of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government who at all times were in liaison with this
Department. There have been some difficult problems upon which discussions with the Ministry were
essential and their willing co-operation and guidance has always been a source of encouragement and stimulus.
32