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THE HEALTH OF BARKING
with electrostatic precipitators to ensure the maximum efficiency of grit extraction
from the flue gases. The approximate height of the boiler house would be 150
feet to the conveyor house roof and that of the chimneys 375 feet above the existing
ground level.
The new installation will be constructed in accordance with the recommendations
of the special commission appointed by the Government who reported upon the
best type of construction for works of this character. The Report is dated November,
1932.
It will be noted, however, it is not proposed in relation to this new plant to
introduce gas washing.
The evidence at present available of the amount of sulphur dioxide in the
atmosphere of Barking is insufficient for me to express more than a general opinion
that any such atmospheric pollution is harmful. It is hoped that, when conditions
become more settled and staff is available, a special study will be made both as to the
quantity of grit deposited in the area and the amount of sulphur dioxide present
in the atmosphere.
The geographical position of the two stations referred to is on the boundary
of the Borough at the south-east corner, and, with a prevailing wind from the southwest,
it is likely that the maximum pollution will be outside the Borough boundary.
So far as the smaller factories in the area are concerned, nuisance does occur,
but this is due in the first place to the many varieties of coal supplied to the operators
and is associated with the lack of skilled labour and the need for the replacement
of defective equipment.
Smoke byelaws have been adopted and attention of the factory occupier is
called when nuisance arises. In addition, we have, as occasions required, called
in the spedalist services of the Ministry of Fuel to give advice as to the best use that
can be made of the coal available.
Prosecutions have not been instituted, because it is felt that most good will be
achieved by such practical assistance as referred to above.
SANITARY INSPECTION OF THE AREA.
It has not yet been possible to carry out the sanitary inspection of the area
with the thoroughness of pre-war days. The number of sanitary inspectors available
has been four whereas the establishment provides for six. It is further found
in practice that to secure repairs many more visits are necessary, owing to the
serious building difficulties arising from manpower and material shortage. That
your officers have been able to maintain a standard of maintenance which has sufficed
to prevent a sanitary breakdown is to be recorded as an achievement but does not
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