London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Harrow 1972
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Harrow]
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70
Smoke Control—Progress during 1972
Smoke Control Orders Nos. 24 and 25 became operative during the
year. These affect 2,557 acres and involve 7,741 premises including 7,430
dwellings. The total acreage covered by the Smoke Control Orders in the
Borough is now 9,344—51,507 dwellings. This represents approximately
74%of the total number of dwellings in the Borough. Two further Orders
were confirmed by the Department of the Environment and these will
come into operation during 1973. These Orders will affect a further 6,190
dwellings, bringing the percentage up to 82 %.
The staff engaged on the survey and inspection of premises made
1,841 visits and issued certificates to enable claims to be made by householders
for grants in respect of the adaption firegrates.
Work to the value of £20,214 was completed during the year at 249
dwellings. .The average amount spent by householders was £81. The
grant paid averaged £17 per claim received.
The table set out below shows the amount of grant paid over the past five years
| Year | Amount of grant paid | No. of claims for grant | A verage per claim (to nearest £) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | £16,195 | 656 | £24 |
| 1969 | £23,341 | 877 | £27 |
| 1970 | £19,760 | 693 | £28 |
| 1971 | £14,517 | 506 | £28 |
| 1972 | £4.355 | 249 | £17 |
The number and types of premises affected by Smoke Control Orders is as follows
| Year | Total number Premises | Number of Dwellings | Number of premises |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961/67 | 22,406 | 21,278 | 1,128 |
| 1968 | 6,185 | 5,246 | 939 |
| 1969 | 6,130 | 5,831 | 299 |
| 1970 | 2,648 | 2,526 | 122 |
| 1971 | 9,355 | 9,196 | 159 |
| 1972 | 7,804 | 7,430 | 374 |
| Total . | . 54.528 | 51.507 | 3.021 |
Progress in the introduction of Smoke Control Orders was maintained
and the entire Borough should be "Smoke controlled" by the end of 1975
as programmed in 1960.
OFFICES, SHOPS AND RAILWAY PREMISES ACT, 1963
The year in so far as the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act
was concerned was in many ways disappointing for while 406 visits
were made Staff shortages prevented the time being given to the matters
covered by this Act that their importance demands. Nevertheless progress
was made and there is no doubt that the benefits and improved standards
called for by this piece of legislation are to be seen.