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76
At a meeting on 16th September 1970 on a motion proposed by a member of the
Council resolved as follows:-
"In view of consideration now being given at all levels to different
aspects of Government and public consultation, and the fact that the public
issue of fluoridation has not been decisively resolved by this Council, the
Finance and Policy Committee are instructed to consider, in consultation with
the principals of the opposing viewpoints and to report to the Council with the
financial implications, for a Hackney Referendum of the public on this issue to
take place as soon as possible. "
Subsequently the Finance and Policy Committee resolved
"that the Town Clerk be requested to submit to us, as soon as possible, a report
on the feasibility of conducting an opinion poll through the media of the local
press."
However, as allowed under Standing Orders, a sufficient number of members
of the Committee asked that directions of Council be taken before action on this
resolution was taken. At its meeting on 28th October 1970 the Council discussed
the subject once more and resolved that no further action be taken on the matter.
The resolution of 3/12/69 therefore reflects this Council's present views
on the subject of fluoridation of public water supplies.
CLEAN AIR
The following sources of air pollution required increased attention.
1. The high levels of sulphur dioxide within the Borough and within Inner
London generally.
2. Exhaust fumes from petrol and diesel engines.
3. Exhaust from certain commercial and factory premises, e.g. dry cleaning
establishments.
During the year a number of dry cleaning establishments came into operation
almost all of which use perchlorethylene. Constant care is necessary to ensure
that fumes are exhausted to a safe outlet as in the majority of premises
families are in occupation over the shops.
Sixteen notifications were received during the year of furnace installations
and two approvals were given regarding the height of newly constructed chimneys.
Measurement of Atmospheric Pollution
Five stations are situated within the Borough boundaries where daily
assessment of pollution is carried out by the Staff.
Serious consideration is being given to the installation of equipment which
will automatically change the filter apparatus once a week and thus abolish the
need for daily visits to each station. The result will be the release of manpower
for other duties.
Shortage of Smokeless Fuel during Winter 1970/1971
Notice was given early in the summer that there would be a serious
shortage of solid smokeless fuels during the approaching winter and the Ministry
of Housing and Local Government indicated that the Minister would be prepared
to consider the suspension of Smoke Control Orders in areas where this was
deemed advisable to enable the supply and burning of bituminous coal.