View report page

57
Emission of sulphur dioxide continues to engage the attention
of research teams for it is conceded that this commodity is really
the dangerous constituent of atmospheric pollution. So far no convenient
and inexpensive method has been found for its elimination,
although it has been estimated that a general change from open coal
fires to closed stoves would reduce the sulphur dioxide content of
the atmosphere to one third of its present level.
At first glance the obvious solution to the smoke problem seems
to be either a replacement of the open coal fire with one of gas
or electricity or a change to some other form of smokeless fuel.
However, each new method of heating faces objections, some
serious such as higher costs, unsatisfactory fuels and installations,
local shortages and lack of storage space, etc., and some not so
serious such as interference with personal liberty or that fumes are
greater with the new smokeless fuels, all of which have to be countered
in one way or another. Fortunately the present clean air
policy coincides with the public's demand for cleaner and more
efficient heating systems for the home. Nevertheless a great deal
of prejudice has to be overcome especially in the smaller homes
where the "cost" item is paramount.
Clean Air Act, 1956. Provisions relating to the installation of
new furnaces, smoke control areas, height of chimneys, research
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 new Alkali, etc. Works Order, 1961, comes into operation
on the 1st of January, 1962 and whilst inter alia the Order defines a
Caustic Soda Works so to include some of its products, it adds to
the list of noxious or offensive gases, fumes containing uranium,
beryllium, selenium, sodium potassium or their compounds, and
carbon monoxide.