View report page

48
and publicity, came into operation on the 31st December, 1956,
whilst the remaining provisions became effective on the 1st June,
1958.
In accordance with the Alkali, etc. Works Order, 1958, the
Minister of Housing and Local Government has indicated the works
located in the Borough which will be subject to the control of the
Alkali Inspector under the Alkali, etc. Works Regulation Act,
1906; the works will include such industries as metal smelting and
synthesis, gas works, electricity generation, etc. In these instances,
however, it is understood that the Alkali Act deals only with the
particular processes which are registered under the Act. Any other
works, processes or plant carried on or operated at the premises—
e.g. ordinary power plant fired by coal or oil—will not come under
the Alkali Act but will be subject to the relevant provisions of the
Clean Air Act, 1956.
A Smoke Inspector and an Assistant are employed full time on
duties in connection with atmospheric pollution and with the surveying
and supervision of smoke control areas. During recent
years a great deal of attention has been paid to industry in the
Borough, with some measure of success, but during the current
period greater attention has been paid to domestic smoke and
under Section 11 of the above-mentioned Act detailed inspection
was completed of the Council's first smoke control area which
obtained Ministry approval on the 18th December, 1959.
Procedure for establishing a smoke control area is laid down
and, for convenience, is divided into four stages:—
(i) the location, size of area and types of property to be
included having been decided, the Council notify the
Minister of their provisional plan;
(ii) when the Minister's approval and comments are received
a detailed survey of the area is made;
(iii) the survey having been completed the Council make an
Order and submit it to the Minister for confirmation;
(iv) after the Minister's confirmation the Council then proceed
to enforce the Order. This stage concerns the conversion
of fire grates, the payment of grants and the subsequent
claim for Exchequer contributions.
The Greenwich No. 1 Smoke Control Order, 1959, which becomes
operative on the 1st October, 1960, covers an area of some
76 acres and concerns approximately 1.000 premises, most of which
have apparatus requiring alteration. The accompanying plan indicates
the area concerned.