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which the emission exceeds the standard so fixed, the
onus of proof that the manufacturer is using the best
practicable means should be on the manufacturer.
4. That the duty of enforcing the law with regard to
pollution of the air by smoke should be transferred from
the local sanitary authorities in whose jurisdiction it now
rests to the county authorities, i.e., the Councils of counties
and county boroughs; minor authorities should still
have power to take proceedings if they so desire.
5. That the Minister of Health should be empowered
to constitute joint committees consisting of two or more
councils in cases where it appears to him that this course
would lead to the better administration of the law with
regard to smoke in any given area.
6. That the Minister of Health should assign to one
or more competent officers the duty of advising and assisting
local authorities and manufacturers with regard to
difficult smoke problems; these officers should report
annually on the steps which are being taken and the
progress which has been made in the suppression of
avoidable smoke.
7. That the law should enable much larger fines to be
imposed than at present.
8. That legislation should be introduced at an early
date with a view to consolidating in one measure the
various existing statutory provisions with regard to the
pollution of the air by smoke, and providing for their
amendment where necessary to give effect to the above
recommendations.
(b) With regard to domestic smoke
9. That the Central Housing Authority should decline
to sanction any housing scheme submitted by a local
authority or public utility society unless specific provision
is made in the plans for the adoption of smokeless methods