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The production of alternative solid smokeless fuels by the National
Coal Board and by private concerns is not great enough to bridge this gap
at the moment, and it is feared that shortages may occur, particularly if
the Winter of next year is unduly severe.
It is hoped that the responsible authorities will give this situation
their full attention because it would be a retrograde step if local
authorities were forced to curtail, or suspend, smoke control orders for
reasons outside their control.
Fortunately, supplies of alternative sources of energy such as
electricity, gas, and oil, have been adequate during the year and no
power failures were experienced.
Hammersmith Smoke Control (No.9) Variation Order
Properties Nos. 13-75 (odd) Waldo Road, N.W.10., were originally
exempt from the provisions of the Hammersmith (No,9) Smoke Control Order,
which came into operation on the 1st June, 1967, being at that time in
the Slum Clearance Programme.
The Council having decided to retain these properties and deal with
them under Part II of the Housing Act, 1957, a Smoke Control Variation
Order was made by the Council on the 9th July, 1969, to come into operation
not earlier than the 1st April, 1970, or such date as determined
by the Minister of Housing and Local Government. Some 32 properties were
affected and it was estimated that the overall cost would be £3,200.
Emissions of Smoke
On the domestic side, the local shortage of solid smokeless fuels
encourages the sale of bituminous coal in some instances, but under the
Clean Air, Act, 1968, the acquisition and sale by retail for delivery of
unauthorised fuel in a smoke control area will become an offence on the
1st April, 1970. Considering the number of domestic fires in regular use,
the number of smoke emissions observed was remarkably small and speaks
well for the preference by the consumer for smokeless fuels. So far, it
has not been necessary to institute legal proceedings against any offender
as informal action usually suffices to stop offences.
Non-domestic premises occasionally give rise to emissions, but these
are ususally of a temporary nature owing to mechanical troubles or inefficient
operation. Again informal action sufficed.
Fulham Hospital has been a source of continuous pollution owing
to technical problems arising from the reconstruction of the new hospital,
but the Hospital Board are well aware of this nuisance and are taking
firm steps to minimise the smoke emissions.
Fulham Power Station
Fulham Power Station has long been a source of air pollution particularly
in the South of the Borough, but the Central Electricity Generating
Board have now submitted a case to the Ministry of Power for change-over tc
oil-fired burning. If this scheme proves acceptable, a great improvement
would soon be brought about.
Atmospheric Pollution
The pattern of atmospheric pollution having been established by the
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