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20
PET ANIMALS ACT, 1951
Under this Act, which came into operation in 1952, local
authorities are responsible for issuing licences to persons for
keeping pet shops, and for the inspection of premises so licensed
to ascertain whether the requirements are complied with.
The Act includes requirements as to the suitability of the
accommodation; the adequate supply of suitable food and
drink for animals; that mammals are not to be sold at too early
an age ; and for reasonable precautions against fire and spread of
infectious diseases amongst animals.
It is also an offence to sell animals as pets in any part of the
street or public place except at a stall or barrow in a market, or
to children under twelve years of age.
The Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee
recommended conditions to be applied to all licences issued.
Of twenty-two applications received, seventeen were found to
be satisfactory, and accordingly registered under the Act.
221 Inspections were made during the year.
SMOKE ABATEMENT.
The figures of deposited matter in the vicinity of the
Bankside area were again very high, and as in previous years,
the main source of pollution was due to grit emitted from the
chimneys of the old Bankside Generating Station. There has
been considerable correspondence and interviews with the
British Electricity Authority, who still consider that the cost of
fitting grit arresters would not be justified.
In May, 1952, there was a discussion at the Town Hall on
the comprehensive report prepared by the Fuel Research Station
on the problem. The representatives of the British Electricity
Authority stated that the use of the old station had been reduced
and the Authority were desirous of discontinuing the use of the
station as soon as possible, as the plant was uneconomic. It
was hoped that the first unit of the new power station would be in
operation before the end of 1952, and a further unit by the
middle of next year. This would mean a rapid reduction in the
use of the old plant. It was estimated there would be four
months' use in the winter of 1952-53, and about two months
during the following winter, subject to normal weather conditions.
Whilst it was proposed to keep the old station available
until 1956, the "use factor" would be exceedingly small. The
Authority submitted that the installation of grit arresters at this
time would be a waste of money. They would, however, make
every endeavour to minimise the nuisance.
The figures of the deposited matter as recorded on the sites
in Walworth Road and Bankside are as follows:—