View report page

16
Report). This Bill has aroused considerable discussion, and there is a
great difference of opinion as to whether its provisions (if and when
they become law) are likely to provide local authorities with an effective
weapon for dealing with the problem of atmospheric pollution. There
is, however, general agreement on one point, namely, that the proposed
new statutory provisions will create a great deal of extra work.
The Chairman of the Public Health Committee and the Chief
Sanitary Inspector are the Council's representatives on the Standing
Conference of Co-operating Bodies set up by the Department of Scientific
and Industrial Research, with which Leyton is co-operating in the investigation
of atmospheric pollution. Daily observations continued
throughout the year. The recording apparatus operated by the Sanitary
Inspectors is situated at the Public Health Offices, Sidmouth Road. A
summary of these observations is reported to the Public Health Committee
quarterly.
The tables on page 33 shows the results recorded during the 12
months ended March, 1956, divided into Summer and Winter periods.
The average results for the 5-year period ended March, 1955, are also
shown for comparison. Concentration of smoke is expressed in milligrams
per 100 cubic metres and sulphur dioxide in parts per 100 million.
The average concentration of smoke for the period ended 31st
March, 1956, was 20.8 milligrams per 100 cubic metres, compared with
21.1 milligrams for the previous 5 years—a reduction of 1.4%, whilst
the concentration of sulphur dioxide for the same period was 7.3 parts
per 100 million, compared with 6.6 parts for the previous 5 years—an
increase of 10.6%.
At the request of the Director of Fuel Research, the Council agreed
to co-operate in a scheme for obtaining additional information about air
pollution during periods of persistent fog, involving three-hourly observations.
During the period under review, two warnings of persistent fog
were received, one on 30th November, 1955, and one on 4th January,
1956. During the November fog, which lasted about 12 hours, three
special observations were made, the peak concentrations reaching 127.8
milligrams of smoke per 100 cubic metres and 52.5 parts of sulphur
dioxide per 100 million. The January fog lasted nearly three days ; six
special observations were made and the peak concentration reached 197.5
milligrams of smoke per 100 cubic metres and 53.0 parts of sulphur
dioxide per 100 million.
The practical measures taken by Sanitary Inspectors to mitigate
pollution of the atmosphere by smoke and grit include the taking of
smoke observations of factory chimneys, which is usually followed by
an inspection of the boiler installation and advice to boiler operatives
and the management on proper use of fuel and methods of stoking, and
in this respect 158 inspections were made.