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Control Areas and the problems that arise in connection with them.
Supplies of smokeless fuels and extensions of the grant scheme
have been fully investigated and have been the subject of correspondence
with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. The
problem of diesel fumes from motor vehicles has also received
attention.
(e) Recent Legislation. During the year two important circulars
concerning atmospheric pollution were issued by the Ministry of
Housing and Local Government.
The first was issued in May 1963 and dealt with chimney heights
elaborating the existing provisions in this connection under the
Clean Air Act 1956. In this Circular guidance is given to local
authorities in determining the heights of new chimneys to prevent,
so far as practicable, smoke, grit, dust and gases emitted therefrom
from becoming prejudicial to health and a nuisance.
In December 1963 Circular 69/63 was issued, which could have
far reaching effects on future Smoke Control Areas. It informed local
authorities that in some areas solid smokeless fuel for open fires
may not be in sufficient supply in the future if open fires continue
to be installed in quantity. The suggested alternatives to open fires
are:-
(a) Closed stoves or open grates with under floor
draught, both of which are capable of burning
hard coke, of which there will be adequate
supplies.
(b) Gas fires.
(c) Electric storage heaters.
Section 6 - PEST INFESTATION CONTROL
(a) Rodent Control. Baiting was again carried out with Sodium
Fluoracetate (1080) to control the rat population in the sewers and
the regular treatment of industrial premises maintained an effective
control of surface infestations.
A free service was provided to householders whose premises
showed signs of infestation. It is rare to find domestic premises
infested with rats. The most common rodent found in houses is the
small field mouse.
(b) Mosquito Infestation Control. Residents on the Thames
View Estate were again troubled by mosquitoes, midges and gnats.
Species identified by the Natural History Museum were Culex pipen
a type of mosquito not known to carry disease, and Chironomos, an
irritating but non- biting midge.
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