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It will be seen that whereas the amount of 'su'phur dioxide' has remained relatively
constant there has been a downward trend in smoke since 1955-1956. The end column shows
a change in the ratio of smoke to 'sulphur dioxide' during the past three winters. This
reduction in smoke, both absolute and relative, appears to have been the accompaniment
of a reduction in the consumption of coal, particularly by residential users. If the reduction
is a consequence of the implementation of the Clean Air Act, it is perhaps a pity that
'sulphur dioxide' is not similarly reduced but, as stated by the Minister of Housing and
Local Government in the House of Commons on 28 July, 1959, the designation of sulphuroxide-free
zones is rendered impracticable by 'the present state of scientific and technical
knowledge.' In fact, from previous work (1), (2), (3), smoke appears, in relation to mortality,
to be more injurious to health.
(1) Appendix B to Annual Report, L.C.C. (1956).
(2) Scott, J. A. (1959) Medical Officer 102, 191-193.
(3) Burgess, S. G. and Shaddick, C. W. (1959) Jnl. Roy. Soc. Hlth. 79, 10.
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