View report page

(iii) the unavailability of certain of the more reactive premium smokeless
fuels and the higher price of such fuel;
(iv) the problem of fuel storage, labour in cleaning fires and ash removal;
(v) the wearing out of the appliance and the difficulty in obtaining replacement
parts:
(vi) the sheer convenience of instant heat from gas, electric, and oil appliances
when so many women are out at work and return to cold homes.
This experience raises the question, academic so far as Hammersmith is concerned,
whether open fires should be eligible for grants in the future. Great trouble and expensive research
have now produced reactive solid smokeless fuels designed for open fires, but when used in such
appliances thermal efficiency is still comparatively low. The problems of labour and storage
space still remain. It is agreed that the free-standing, or inset openable stove, are of higher
efficiency if solid smokeless fuel is preferred.
These observations are, of course, based on our experience in Hammersmith, and there
is no attempt here to generalise for the country as a whole. It is appreciated that localities
have heating preferences, and in applying the smoke control provisions the role of consumer
choice has been emphasised throughout-
The passing of the Clean Air Act coincided with a rise in the standard of living in the
country which brought a desire for alternative forms of heating, more efficient appliances, and
better designs with greater aesthetic appeal. The traditional Sunday parlour has been transformed
into a centre of everyday family activity. The Clean Air Act provisions have improved the air we
breathe; they have also given an impetus to the forces of progress towards a higher standard of
living in the home, and a better iiving environment, to the great advantage of our mental and
and physical well-being.
CLEAN AIR ACT 1956
Smoke Control Areo
On the 1st June 1967, the last Smoke Control Order came into operation, Hammersmith
having achieved the distinction of being the first London Borough to complete the phased Smoke
Control Programme inaugurated in 1958. This represents 3995 acres, involving some 72,559 premises.
As the Borough comprises the former Metropolitan Boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham,
details of the respective progress are set out below:
PHASED SMOKE CONTROL PROGRAMME
Position ate 31st December, 1967
FULHAM
(Please see next page)
HAMMERSMITH
(Please see next page)
Proposed Suspension of Hammersmith Smoke Control Order No.8.
In October, 1967, a request was made by the Greater London Council for the Council to
waive the No.8 Smoke Control Order in respect of Nos. 1-72 Creighton Close, a block of flats
due for modernisation. It was agreed to ask the Ministry of Housing and Local Government to
make a Suspension Order under Section 11 (7) of the Clean Air Act, 1956, for a period terminating
in January, 1970. The Minister's decision is expected early in 1968. This Order will not apply to
any other premises in the No.8 Smoke Control Area.
Supplies of Smokeless Fuels
Supplies of all smokeless fuels including gas, electricity, and oil have been adequate
and no serious shortages have occurred, but sometimes the choice of solid smokeless fuels has
been limited. No power failures in the electricity supply were experienced.
17