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74
able, for smoke is simply unburned and wasted fuel and its
elimination leads to greater efficiency and economy.
Other pollution problems concerning the emission of fumes
and noxious gases arise mainly from industrial premises such
as iron and steel works, cement works, chemical plants, gas works
and power stations, but these come under the jurisdiction of the
Alkali Inspectorate.
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.
However, the Public Health Department is concerned mainly
with atmospheric pollution at breathing level, and in the average
urban area some 80-90 per cent of all pollution arises from household
chimneys. Bituminous coal can be burned smokelessly
only under strict technical control and in the domestic fire this
is impossible. The inference is plain, and demonstrates the need
for a change to gas, electricity, oil, or one of the smokeless fuels.
An immediate wholesale change-over throughout the country was
never practical and the Act seeks to tackle the problem by adopting
the principle of smokeless zones or smoke control areas.
Technological advances in the gas industry and their effects
upon the future production of gas coke have necessitated changes
in legislation. These changes, effective from 16th August of the
current year, are contained in Section 95 of the Housing Act,
1964, and the Ministry's Circular 46/64 explains the revised
arrangements with regard to definitions, designation of appliances,
approved expenditure, special cases and discretionary grants and
grants on means of ignition. Further, Circular 60/64 specifically
refers to electric space heaters and the occasions when they may
attract grants.
Within the Borough a Smoke Inspector and an Assistant are
employed full time on duties in connection with atmospheric pollution
and with the surveying and supervising of smoke control
ureas.