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Many householders had already installed smokeless fuel appliances in their homes; but the
high cost of smokeless fuels, as compared with coal, resulted in complaints and prejudice.
It was still not realised by many people that the heating value of coke and other smoke
less fuel was greatly superior to that of ordinary coal . so that less was used for a given
amount of heat. Their use also brought certain other advantages. Some representatives
advocated the greater use of electricity. They said this was the real key to the problem.
In connection with smoke control areas, reference was made to the high cost of the conversion
and adaptation of existing fireplaces, but the representatives were reminded that
Government grants were available which would substantially reduce the burden on house
holders.
Two of the representatives advised caution in local authorities' approach to the
problem, but Councillor Marshall (Leyton), in summing up the discussion, advocated persistence
in this matter in view of the high cost of air pollution in terms of money and
human lives and suffering. He said that Leyton would go ahead and play their full part in
the campaign for clean air.
It was decided to convene another session of the Conference in October, 1958 when
it was proposed that the representatives should report progress and that the various prob
lems involved be given more detailed consideration in the light of further experience of
the working of the Act.
A vote of thanks to the Leyton Corporation for convening and arranging the conference
was proposed by Councillor S.J.Relph (Wanstead & Woodford), seconded by Mr.H.G.Clinch
(London and Home Counties Smoke Abatement Advisory Council) and passed unanimously.
The Chairman of the Public Health Committee, Councillor F.W.Marshall, and the Chief
Public Health Inspector are the Council's representatives on the London and Home Counties
Smoke Abatement Advisory Council and the Standing Conference of Co operative 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 Public Health Inspectors is situated in the
offices in Sidmouth Road, a summary of these observations is reported to the Public Health
Committee quarterly. The tables which follow show the results recorded during the 12 months
ended March, 1958, divided into summer and winter periods. The average results for the 7year
period ended March, 1957, 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 year ended 31st March. 1958. was 22.2
milligrams per 100 cubic metres, compared with 21.3 milligrams for the previous seven
years an increase of 4.2% whilst the concentration of sulphur dioxide for the same
period was 7.6 parts per 100 million, compared with 6.8 parts for the previous seven
years - an increase of 11.8%.
The practical measures taken by Public Health Inspectors to mitigate pollution of
the atmosphere by smoke and grit include the taking of smoke observations of factory chimneys;
inspection of boiler installations advice to boiler operatives on proper use of
fuel and methods of stoking, and discussions with managerial staff 99 such investigations
were carried out during the year.
HEALTH EDUCATION
The year under review was an important one in the field of health education, for it
marked the opening of the first comprehensive Public Health Exhibition dealing with all
aspects of health services to be held in Leyton for 25 years it was held in the Town Hall
for one week, commencing May 27th. A full report on the "Borough of Leyton Public Health
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