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31
Closet Accommodation
The water carriage system is in operation throughout the Borough. It
has not been necessary during the year to use the provisions of the Tottenham
Corporation Act, 1952.
It would appear that the provision of sanitary conveniences in houses let
in lodgings or occupied by members of more than one family could be resolved
by the provisions of Section 11 Housing Repairs & Rents Act, 1954 There is
however a proviso in Section 11 (1) (b) that in default of carrying out the
work, the owner is entitled to secure a reduction in the number of persons or
households. To do this, he can seek the assistance of the Courts.
Atmospheric Pollution
In my annual report of last year I made brief comment on the Beaver
Committee's interim report. The final report of that committee has now been
published and I set out a summary of its recommendations.
(1) With some exceptions (special trades) dust and smoke should be
prohibited by law.
(2) Use of grit and dust arresting plant to be obligatory if more than
10 tons of solid or pulverised fuel is burnt per hour.
(3) Provision in local acts for "prior approval" e.g. Tottenham Corporation
Act, 1952 - should be included in general legislation - as
should the power to create Smokeless Zones.
(4) The law to control smoke from railways to be brought up to date and
strengthened.
(5) Financial assistance to be given in certain cases - reduction in
purchase tax for approved appliances.
(6) Local authorities to enforce the general provisions and to submit an
annual report to the Minister.
Other recommendations include codes of practice - standard specifications
for smoke indicators and recorders etc. The control of pollution by motor
vehicles and finally the appointment of a "Clean Air Council" to co-ordinate
research and review progress.
All that remains is for the Government to accept and act on the Beaver
report and introduce the legislation necessary to implement the recommendations.
Given the powers, local authorities will find more enthusiasm for dealing
atmospheric pollution than could reasonably have been expected of them in '
the past.