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26
part to the increased use of portable heaters using oil or
electricity, the use of some of the proprietory brands of
smokeless fuel which will burn in some grates which would not
satisfactorily bum coke and in a few instances the replacement
or adaptation of grates for which no grant has been requested.
On the other hand, the cost of these conversions is
proving to be consistently above the estimated cost. These costs
are, of course, checked before any work is done and before any
agreement is reached as to the amount of grant which will be paid
but although, quite large reductions have been agreed in first
estimates, approved costs are still higher than expected.
However, the house property in both areas is predominently
of the type which contains either very old fashioned (and
large) or otherwise unusual fireplaces. The question of standard
of finish and aesthetic appearance of any conversion which can
still be regarded as "necessary" has arisen frequently and the
number of "standard" conversions carried out, for example, by the
North Thames Gas Board at (say) £6 each is likely to be less in
Hampstead than in most areas.
The Minister has given preliminary approval for a
third control area which will cover 350 acres and the detailed
survey was commenced in October. This survey is being carried
out by two assistants, Miss B. Dimmock and Mr. J.A. Woodman, who
are to be complimented on the way in which, with only a short
period of instruction, they have undertaken visits, advice and
reports which this work entails. It proved possible at the
beginning for each of these assistants to complete reports on
upwards of 100 separately occupied private dwellings each week,
but as each road is worked through a proportion of "no access"
visits are inevitable and now that return visits to, and requests
for definite appointments, are being made the rate of progress
decreases.
It is intended that as far as possible every separate
householder will receive:-
(a) a visit by one of the survey assistants;
(b) if access is not gained, a second visit at which, if
again unsuccessful, the assistant will leave explanatory
literature and a simple form inviting the householder
either to submit certain particulars as to their arrangements
for heating the premises; or
(c) write or telephone for a definite appointment so that