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ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
The amount of smoke, grit and sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere over the Borough
of Southall continued to be recorded during the year 1963 at the same sites at which record
ings have been carried out for previous years.
In addition, the station which was established in 1959 at the Manor House, for the
estimation of smoke and sulphur dioxide pollution by the volumetric method, whereby air
is drawn through two filters, one dry and one liquid, continuously and the amount of
atmospheric pollution calculated every 24 hours from the matter deposited on the filter, and
from the amount of sulphur taken up by the liquid, continued to operate during 1963. A
new station for volumetric estimations came into operation on 1st October, 1963, at
Beaconsfield Technical College. For 1963 results, see page 45.
The results obtained from the five sites (i.e. Recreation Ground and Railway Allotments
—lead peroxide method; Hortus Cemetery, New Primary School, Railway Allotments—
deposit gauges) are tabulated on pages 46 and 47 and graphs prepared from the figures
on the table are to be found on pages 48 and 49.

Comparisons with three other places, i.e. Westminster, Cambridge and Sheffield, still
show that Southall is atmospherically much less impure most of the year than a highly
industrial area, but the Borough is included in a large ring round and including London itself
designated as a black area for atmospheric pollution under the Clean Air Act, 1956.
Smoke from industry has caused no special difficulty during the year and excessive or
unnecessary emissions have usually been dealt with speedily by informal action. In one case,
however, legal proceedings were taken in connection with an oil-fired boiler for an infringement
of the Dark Smoke (Permitted Periods) Regulations, 1958. A fine of £25.0.0. was
imposed, plus £5.5.0. costs.
Twenty-two complaints of smoke or ash were received. In 13 cases, the nuisances were
abated after informal action. In 9 cases, the complaints were not confirmed.
The large timber yard mentioned in the last Annual Report now disposes of waste away
from the premises. The fact that large quantities of sawdust and wood are no longer burnt
has resulted in a considerable improvement in the neighbourhood around the yard.
Smoke Control Areas
Smoke Control Order No. 4 became operative on 1st July, 1963. The premises covered
by operative Orders now total 3,194 houses, 41 industrial premises, 245 commercial
premises, and 38 other buildings.
Smoke Control Order No. 5 was confirmed at the beginning of 1963 and will become
operative on 1st July, 1964. The area covered is 205 acres and includes 1,428 houses, 16
industrial premises, 50 commercial premises, and 4 other buildings.
The survey of another area was begun during the year and it is expected that the Order
will be submitted for confirmation at the beginning of 1964.
Infringements of Smoke Control Orders
There were no infringements in 1963.
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