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following suggestions contained in resolutions adopted by the Executive
Council of the National Smoke Abatement Society:—
"1. That sufficient space should be provided for the storage of fuel
at dwelling houses to enable an adequate quantity of lighter solid smokeless
fuels to be stored and kept separate from bituminous coal.
"2. That local authorities should be urged to improve their arrangements
to ensure that tenants of municipal houses with the modern appliances
are advised and persistently encouraged to burn solid smokeless
fuel."
The Surveyor reported that the suggestions are already being implemented
as far as possible on Council housing estates, and the local Fuel
Officer was invited to furnish his observations on the continued difficulties
confronting some householders in obtaining adequate supplies of solid
smokeless fuels.
26 complaints were received during the year about smoke. Most of
these were of smoke from the chimneys at three factories. As a result
of the investigations made consultants were called in by the management
of one factory and a number of alterations were made. This brought
about an improvement and further trials and tests are proceeding.
During the year a grit-arresting plant was installed at another
factory; and at two others alterations to the works destructor are being
considered.
Infestation by Insects and Pests
During 1952, in order to help householders and traders in the district
who experience trouble with household insects and similar pests all
specimens brought to the notice of the department were collected and
retained. With the help of the Department of Entomology of the Natural
History Museum, the Infestation Branch of the Ministry of Agriculture
and Fisheries, and a number of other sources, a most useful collection
has been built up. It now contains between 70 and 80 specimens of
different species, and is shown at the talks given by the sanitary inspectors
on such subjects as food hygiene, environmental hygiene and on the
work of the Health Department.
Many additions were made to the collection during the year. Among
them was the Seaweed Fly, which received much publicity because of
its prevalence along the South coast toward the end of the year. The
fly was first reported in Harrow on the 31st October, when many invaded
a factory in Honeypot Lane. As the fly appeared to have been attracted
to the factory by some of the chemicals used, other premises in the
district using similar chemicals were visited and three other infestations
were found. With the co-operation of the management of the factories
concerned, the infestations were dealt with and no further trouble has
been experienced.
The following Table gives details of the 1,333 complaints that were
received during the year about rats and mice:—