[LONDON hosts one of the world's foremost centres…]
Socialist Organiser1984 1984-02-16Read it in the scan (PDF), scan page 13 →
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LONDON hosts one of the world's foremost centres for monitoring toxic chemicals in the environment of cities.
Amongst other things, it pioneered the use of limits for toxic materials in bulding land and it developed the Hazchem code for the transport of hazardous substances.
It provides a 24-hour emergency service to give advice on dealing with major acidents. Its largest case so far involved the evacuation of 6.000 people in Barking after two tonnes of sodium chlorate exploded in a warehouse fire.
It is the scientific services branch of the GLC and if the GLC is abolished. it is quite likely to be closed. It would take an unprecedented level of agreement amongsi the 32 boroughs of London for them to jointly fund it, and few could atford to purchase the expensive equipment to set up their own scientific branches.
The alternative would be to absoro lt into the new rire Authorty. but ihıs wı quite likely lack the cash to run it. particularly as the government says the GLC is spending 20% too much on the Fire Brigade at the moment.
So we will be less sate as well as poorer if the Tories abolish the GLC.
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Socialist Organiser no. 166 February 16.1984, Page. 14.