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30
AIR POLLUTION
(Smoke Abatement Officer — Mr. G. Stubbs)
The figures recorded by the Council's instruments show that during
the early months of the year there was an increase in air pollution. This
was probably due to the increased consumption of fuel because of the severe
wintry conditions at that time. However, during the last few months
there was a marked decrease in all the figures compared with the previous
year.
On the instructions of the Public Health Committee, representations
were made to the Ministers of Health, Transport and Housing and Local
Government that research into the dangers to health of emissions from the
engines of road vehicles should be intensified and means found for removing
sulphur fumes from the atmosphere, and as to what additional action
sight be taken for stopping or minimising the emission of fumes from the
engines of road vehicles.
Replies from the Ministries stated that the exhaust gases of road
vehicles are not a prominent source of sulphur pollution and are small in
comparison with those derived from domestic and industrial fuel combustion
The results of the investigations carried out by the Ministers so far have
shown that the concentration of fumes likely to be found in our streets,
under normal conditions, is not sufficient to have any adverse effectupon
health.
The Ministries stated that the Medical Research Council and the Department
of Scientific and Industrial Research are pursuing theil invesgation.
into this question of atmospheric pollution and its effect on Ihealth.
The schedules of final costs of the adaptations and replacements in
Smoke Control Area No. 1 which came into operation on 1st November, 1961,
were prepared. The total costs amounted to £6,325.3.4d. covering work in 572
dwellings. Of this amount £2,530. 1.4d was recoverable from the Exchequer.
The estimated ootal cost was £8,250 covering 640 dwellings. It was
found on re-visiting the area that a number of dwellings !ha.d been converted
to approved appliances before the date of confirmation of the Order and
also that some residents preferred to install portable electric heaters
which do not rank for grant.
It can be claimed that the whole scheme worked smoothly and many residents
expressed satisfaction with the new grates and supported the Council's
efforts towards clean air.
A meeting was held at the Town Hall on 11th September, 1963, to discuss
(1) The availability and distribution of solid smokeless fuels (particularly
in connection with the proposed No. 3 Smoke Control Area) and (2) priority
deliveries of fuel to the sick and aged in the Borough. The Mayor presided