View report page

and we did not persevere with the idea. However, a smoke-scope was
purchased which adopts the same ideas and consists of a small telescope
with a disc which occludes 40 per cent. of the light in part of
the field leaving the rest of the field clear for a direct view of smoke
issuing from the chimney under observation. This probably would
not be reliable in Court but it is very useful to demonstrate to the
factory owners and to the stokers the density of the smoke emitted.
Noise intensity was previously assessed by the Inspector on a
subjective basis and quite naturally this was invariably called into
question by the complainant. We have purchased recently an
apparatus which records the intensity of noise in decibels, and whilst
we are not able to analyse at each pitch, none the less it is possible to
come to an objective conclusion of the total disturbance. In the event
of remedial works being undertaken by the offenders it is possible at a
subsequent date to ascertain if there has been no change or if there has
been a reduction in the total energy content of the noise.
More recently still we have brought into use a light meter for the
measurement of the luminosity of any particular working surface or
workroom. This will be of value in influencing factory and office
owner- to improve lighting conditions in their premises.
There are many other instruments which we would like to use in
the Department but cost, has, up to the moment, precluded any further
extension.
8. REGISTRATION OF HAWKERS. Hawkers who ply
their trade from mobile vehicles within the boundaries of the Borough,
require to be registered with the Council under a local Act. This
registration has been in force for many years and at the present
moment the relevant statute is the Middlesex County Council Act,
1950, Section 11. It is important to ensure that the motor vehicles
and carts from which food products are sold in the Borough, are
reasonably equipped and adequately maintained to avoid risk of complaint
and risk of food poisoning. Established traders are excused
registration as any individual who trades from shop premises is saved
the necessity of registration.
Shortly after the War, when the delivery of purchases had not
yet become re-established, many applications were received for the sale
of such commodities as greengrocery and fish, but now that more static
firms are able to offer delivery, the demand for such services is
31