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13
Other Pests
The number of complaints of vermin and other insect pests
remained at a satisfactorily low level. All school kitchens and serveries
are regularly treated at the beginning of the fly season as a routine
measure, in Co-operation with Surrey County Education Department.
As a general precaution Beverley Brook and parts of the Commons
were treated where mosquitoes were likely to cause trouble.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
Two standard deposit gauges and two lead peroxide instruments
together with one volumetric apparatus are maintained at three
stations in the Borough for the measurement of pollution. Average
results for the past three years are given in Table 16 of the Appendix.
During the year the Council considered the implications of the
Clean Air Act 1956 with particular reference to the establishment of
Smoke Control Areas. It has been agreed in principle that the whole
Borough will gradually be converted to the burning of smokeless fuel
over a period of ten years.
Such a project will entail the adaptation or conversion of something
like 15,000 dwellings. Experience in other areas shows that
householders readily accept the prospect of cleaner firegrates and
smokeless zones. Even at this early stage many enquiries are received
regarding conversion to modern appliances, and there is considerable
activity in the field of conversion to oil burning, especially in the
larger properties. When it is explained that the grants are not payable
until a particular area has actually been declared a Smoke Control
Area enquirers are critical on this point. However, the grant is
intended to help those people for whom conversion will be compulsory,
whether they appreciate that they will eventually benefit or not, so
that no one will be able to say that they cannot afford it. No doubt
it would be preferable if grants were to be made payable at an earlier
stage. It would also help if such items as the provision of flue
restrictors and the improvement of fuel storage arrangements were to
be included in the calculation for grant.
It is confidently expected that this measure will be implemented
smoothly and with increasing tempo, and that the results will amply
justify the expense, disturbance and change of habits involved.
To ensure complete co-operation with neighbouring authorities,
the Council has become a constituent member of the West London
Inter Borough Smoke Control Liaison Committee. Regular meetings
are held, and the representatives of the Boroughs of Hammersmith,
Willesden, Fulham, Acton, Brentford & Chiswick and Barnes, discuss
problems and matters of mutual interest concerning atmospheric
pollution.