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irises from mechanical mishap rather than from inadequate plant, or inefficient boiler
management. In cases of obdurate technical difficulty, boiler plant owners can avail
themselves of advice from the National Industrial Fuel Efficiency Service.
The Act requires that new furnaces (except those of domestic capacity) must, as
far as practicable, be capable of being operated without emitting smoke when burning
fuel of a type for which the furnace is designed; it is an offence to install such furnaces
without previously notifying the local authority, but whilst notification is obligatory,
the submission of plans for approval is optional.
A further objective designed to ensure adequate dispersion of flue emissions
lequires that when building plans for industrial premises incorporating the construction
of a chimney for carrying smoke, grit, dust or gases are submitted for byelaw approval,
the council must be satisfied that the height of the chimney will be sufficient to prevent
nuisance.
The Council made a notable contribution to the reduction of atmospheric pollution
early in 1964 when the use of the old refuse destructor was discontinued.
The garden bonfire is not officially proscribed and it is difficult to reconcile a
Clean 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 frequently
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 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 Table—see page 63.
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