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from the open air burning of material done as part of a reclamation process, e.g., the
burning off of insulating material to salvage the metal cable.
The garden bonfire is not officially proscribed and it is difficult to reconcile a
Qean Air policy with toleration of a source of smoke from this cause. In cases of
complaints, bonfire addicts are urged to exercise care and common-sense, or in preference
to burning garden rubbish, to make use of the special collection arrangement
operated by the Borough Engineer and Surveyor.
In industry there is a trend from the use of solid fuel to oil. Similarly householders
are selecting gas, electricity and fuel oils as sources of heat more frequentiy
than before. This trend is likely to be a notable factor in the reduction of smoke
produced. There is no doubt, however, that the increased use of fuel oil gives rise
to an increase in the emission of sulphur dioxide.
Instruments to measure smoke and sulphur dioxide in the air are maintained at
the Public Health Department and at the Public Libraries at East and North Finchley.
The data obtained is supplied to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
at Warren Spring Laboratory, Stevenage. There it is included in statistical records
which form part of a country-wide investigation and research project.
The report published by the Warren Spring Laboratory for 1958 to 1963 drew
attention to the fact that whilst the emission of smoke in London has dropped 60%,
that of sulphur dioxide has risen by 32%. Despite this, there is no detectable increase
in the ground level concentration of the latter. This is because most of the increased
emission is widely dispersed from high chimneys.
The measurement of atmospheric pollution in Finchley was commenced in 1960
and it is yet too early to demonstrate a positive downward trend parallel with London
as a whole, but in my opinion the prohibition of smoke from new furnaces, the dispersion
of smoke and other products of combustion from tall factory chimneys, coupled
with the wide introduction of Smoke Control Areas both in Finchley and the adjoining
districts must achieve a much cleaner atmosphere.
Statistical Tables—see pages 76-77,
FOOD
Part I 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 substitute. Part III regulates the
provision and management of markets. Part IV has to do with slaughterhouses and
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