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24
CLEAN AIR ACT, 1956
There were no major "smog" incidents in the year. This is due
no doubt to the absence of appropriate weather conditions, although
the continued decline in the amount of smoke emitted may well
have played an important part, particularly at critical periods.
The decline is due principally to the continued introduction of
Smoke Control areas assisted by the control of new furnaces, the
improvement of existing industrial and commercial heating arrangements
and the now almost complete elimination of coal-fired locomotives
operating from Paddington Station.
The sulphur dioxide concentration is unchanged. The Clean
Air Act does not offer controls for emissions of this gas, although
indirectly it does make a contribution. In Smoke Control areas the
replacement of coal fires by modern appliances burning smokeless
fuel efficiently means a smaller fuel consumption, which reduces the
SO2 in direct proportion, and if the coal fires are replaced by electric
or gas fires, which emit no SO2, or fires burning light oils, which
emit only minute amounts, the reduction is even greater. Similarly,
improved heating arrangements in commercial and industrial premises
reduce fuel demand and therefore SO2 production. This
reduction is, however, offset by higher consumption necessitated by
the demand for increased heating facilities and by the replacement
of low or no sulphur fuels by fuels of comparatively high sulphur
content.
Smoke control areas.—The Council's revised programme envisages
that the whole Borough will be a smokeless zone by 1968.
The present position is as follows: —
Hyde Park No. 1 Order. Confirmed by the Minister of Housing
and Local Government and in operation from the 31st October,
1959.
Lancaster Gate East Order. Confirmed by the Minister of
Housing and Local Government and in operation from the
1st November, 1960.
Lancaster Gate West Order. Confirmed by the Minister of
Housing and Local Government and in operation from the
1st August, 1962.
Westbourne No. 1 Order. Confirmed by the Minister of Housing
and Local Government and in operation from the 1 st November,
1963.
Westbourne No. 2 Order. Confirmed by the Minister of Housing
and Local Government and in operation from the 1st July, 1964.
Harrow Road North Order. Confirmed by the Minister of
Housing and Local Government and in operation from the 1st
July, 1965.
Harrow Road South Order. Preliminary survey is being carried
out.
Hyde Park No. 2 and Reading Orders. The surveys for both
these areas have been completed. Smoke Control Orders will
be made when the extensive redevelopment schemes in these
areas have reached an appropriate stage.