[Report 1958] / Medical Officer of Health, West Lancashire R.D.C.

  • West Lancashire (England). Rural District Council.
Date:
1958
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1958] / Medical Officer of Health, West Lancashire R.D.C. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    45/48 (page 35)
    CLEAN AIR ACT, 1956 All boiler and furnace installations in industrial establishments have been inspected since the introduction of the Clean Air Act. Obser¬ vations of smoke emissions are made periodically of the industrial chimneys in the district and comparisons made of the smoke emitted with the Ringleman’s Chart. In the main the smoke emissions are well within the statutory density and time limits. Two establishments in the area which emit smoke in excess of the statutory limits have conversion programmes which were expected to take a further nine to twelve months to implement. The Council, on application, granted exemption certificates to the occupiers of the premises concerned for a period of twelve months to enable the pro¬ grammes to be completed. It is expected that the necessary work will be carried out within the period and that the excessive emissions of dark smoke will cease. The heavy pollution of the atmosphere by boilers used in soil sterili¬ sation was once an accepted part of horticultural life in the areas con¬ cerned. It is pleasing to note that such pollution has now ceased. All boilers used for that purpose have been adapted to burn coke or other smokeless fuels. The conversion programme was not carried out without objections, but the change has been very much appreciated by the residents, especially the housewives. THE PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT, 1949. The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949, stipulates that every Local Authority must take measures to secure, as far as practicable, that their area is kept free from rats and mice and to enforce the duties of owners and occupiers under its provisions. To achieve success in the campaign against these vermin the fullest co-operation from the general public is required. The public, due to publicity and the many visits to premises over the years, readily realise the importance of maintaining adequate rodent control. Many cases have been reported even when a stray rat or mouse has been seen. The principal sites in this rural district are the banks of the many open ditches which are situated near household premises. Small infestations also take place on the many new housing estates where the vermin, having been disturbed, enter houses during con¬ struction. It should be noted that the rat infestations treated during the year were generally very minor in degree. The practice of providing free service to private householders con¬ tinued during the year, but owners or occupiers of other premises or lands are required to re-imburse the Local Authority for all expenditure incurred. The methods of destruction employed are those recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and these have proved very successful. It was learned during the year that the Lancashire Executive Com¬ mittee, whose staff dealt with the majority of farm buildings and lands, will cease to operate this work after March, 1959. It is too early as yet to envisage what the effect of this decision will make on this depart¬ ment, as the farmers may do the work themselves, employ private firms or ask the Local Authority to carry out the work.