London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Barking 1927
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barking]
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28
SMOKE ABATEMENT.
The Public Health (Smoke Abatement) Act, 1926, came into
orce on 1st July, 1927. Previous to this date, all observations upon
chim::.ey shafts, were for periods of one hour,, but following the
commencement of this Act, it was decided to'introduce 30 minute
observations and to limit the permissible period of black smoke
emission to 2 minutes in the aggregate ; excluding bursts of less
than 30 seconds.
Whilst there has been considerable improvement in smoke
emission, there are still 3 offenders who as yet, do not regularly
conform to this standard.
These offenders, however, are giving their serious attention to
the technical difficulties connected with their boiler installation and
are keeping smoke emission to a minimum.
One hundred and twenty-seven observations were carried out.
In 37 instances, offences occurred ; in which cases appropriate
action was taken.
In respect of one factory, it was necessary to serve formal notice.
This authority is a member of the Greater London Smoke Abatement
Regional Committee.
OFFENSIVE TRADES.
The following shows the nature of trades carried on and the number of premises registered :—
| Fish Fryers | 20 |
| Fish-skin Scrapers | 1 |
| Dealers in Rags and Bones | 10 |
| Fat Melters and Extractors | 2 |
| Gut Scrapers | 1 |
| Oil Boilers | 1 |
These premises received 3S5 visits. Forty-two breaches of the
Bye-laws were discovered and dealt with.
One additional premises was licensed for fish frying, and at
four other premises there was a change of occupier.
One application to commence the business of a fish fryer was
refused.
During the year, the occupier of premises situated on the marshes
discontinued the business of fish-skin scraper.