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and close to the eastern boundary of the No. 17 Smoke Control Area which will
operate from November, 1970. This should give some basis for comparison when
all that part of the borough is covered by Smoke Control Orders.
A further five instruments were located at sites in the area surrounding the new
refuse disposal plant at Deephams, Edmonton, to monitor the level of pollution
before this unit comes into operation. This plant will be fitted with the most modern
equipment, and it is hoped that it will produce no material increase in air pollution.
This group of instruments will, however, enable readings to be made before and after
the plant comes into operation. Delays have held up completion of this refuse disposal
works, and it may not be in operation before mid-1970.
There is no doubt that the implementation of smoke control, particularly in the
London area, is producing an appreciable reduction in air pollution. The trend over
the years has shown a steady decline, and records for the central London area
indicate a decrease in smoke concentration of 80% between 1958 and 1969. The
reduction in the Enfield area from 1962 (when measurement was commenced) until
1969 is more than 50%. In spite of fears to the contrary, there has also been a
reduction in recent years in the ground level concentration of sulphur dioxide. The
reduction is not as dramatic as for smoke, the figure for central London being 40%
and for Enfield 30% over the more limited period.
(See Statistical Table 32)
FOOD AND DRUGS
Part 1 of the Food and Drugs Act, 1955, deals with the composition and labelling
of food and drugs, food unfit for human consumption, hygiene in connection with
the sale, etc., of food, registration of certain food premises, and food poisoning.
Part II deals with milk, dairies and cream substitutes.
Part III regulates the provision and management of markets.
Part IV has to do with slaughterhouses and knackers' yards and the power to
provide cold stores in public slaughterhouses.
Parts V and VI relate to administration.
Regulations and Orders made under this Act make further provisions in relation
to the hygienic handling of food and food standards.
The Food (Control of Irradiation) (Amendment) Regulations, 1969, came into
force on 1st December, 1969, and amend the 1967 Regulations, which limit the
amount of radiation to which food may be exposed, to provide that the maximum
radiation may be exceeded where the food is certified by a registered medical practitioner
to be intended for patients who require a sterile diet as an essential factor
in their treatment. The Regulations specify that notification shall be given to the
Department of Health and Social Security and that detailed records shall be kept.
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