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The ground level concentration of sulphur dioxide remained much the same
as in the previous year in spite of the increased use of oil for industrial, commercial
and domestic heating but not withstanding this in September the Council passed
a resolution which was forwarded to the Ministry of Power expressing concern
at the increase of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere arising from the greater use
of oil fuels.
Availability of Solid Smokeless Fuels
Following the publication of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government
Circular No. 69/63 regarding the changes of availability of solid smokeless fuels,
there was some concern lest this would curtail the Council's programme. However,
fortunately a shortage did not materialize and the Smoke Control Orders
were brought into operation without any undue delay.
Changes in Methods of Heating in Smoke Control Areas
1964 also saw a marked change in the method of domestic heating. The gas
room heater supplanting the open fire as the main source of heating, and the
introduction of a larger grant to encourage the installation of free-standing
openable stoves, and under-floor-draught open fires and electric thermal storage
heaters.
In December, 1964. the Government Circular 60/64 excluded the cost of the
installation of direct acting electric space heaters (electric fires) from expenditure
attracting grant under the Clean Air Act, to curtail the demand for electricity in
peak periods and thus avoid load shedding.
Inter-Borough Smoke Control Liaison Committee
The Committee met three times and a mutual exchange of information took
place.
In September a joint meeting was held with the West Middlesex Clean Air
Co-ordinating Committee to discuss the formation of a new committee owing to
the forthcoming changes affecting constituent members under the Local Government
Act, 1963. Hammersmith agreed to refer the matter to the new council at the
earliest opportunity with a recommendation for future participation.
INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OF FOOD
Premises
During the year 5,092 inspections were made at food premises, stalls and
markets and at 135 of these conditions contravening the Food Hygiene (General)
Regulations were found. Legal proceedings were taken in 6 cases resulting in
fines totalling £230 with 30 gns. costs being imposed.
No exemption certificates were granted by the Council in connection with
the Regulations during the year.