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upper limit of cost has been removed and the lower limit decreased
to £100, grants of up to 50 per cent, of the admissible cost being
payable by the local authority, subject to a maximum of £400.
In addition, the qualifying period for which the dwelling must be
expected to provide satisfactory accommodation has been reduced
from 30 years to 15 years. Provision is also made for the Council
to fix for such dwellings a maximum rent in keeping with presentday
values. Already in this district three applications for grants
have been received this year.
As a result of the disastrous London fog of December, 1952,
a committee under the chairmanship of Sir Hugh Beaver was set
up to enquire into atmospheric pollution. The report of this Committee,
known as the Beaver Report, was published in November,
1954, and has been the cause of much controversy ; in view of this,
it would be well to review the facts :
1. Atmospheric pollution is the cause of a considerable
number of deaths and of chronic ill-health.
2. The most important factors concerned are particles of
grit and carbonaceous matter, and oxides of sulphur. Of these,
the first two may be largely eliminated by the use of smokeless
fuels and of complete combustion of all fuels. The oxides of
sulphur are not so readily disposed of, and at the present time
there are no easy practicable means of doing so. Sooty particles,
however, form a base on which these oxides can condense, and
thus render them more dangerous. As smokeless fuels do not
give off more oxides of sulphur than their sooty counterparts,
it seems reasonable to press for their wider use in an attempt to
alleviate if not to solve altogether, the problem of atmospheric
pollution. Clean water is now looked upon as a necessity of
life, and is paid for willingly ; would it not be well to regard
clean air in the same way ?
In presenting this report I would like to thank the members
of the Council, particularly the Public Health Committee, for their
continued support, and the staff of the Public Health Department
for the loyal and unstinting way in which they have carried out
their duties.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
V. SHAW,
Medical Officer of Health.
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