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18
LIGHTING OF STAIRCASES
As a result of representations to the Metropolitan Boroughs'
Standing Joint Committee the London County Council inserted a
clause in their General Powers (No. 2) Bill regarding the hghting of
staircases in houses in multiple occupation.
CEILING HEIGHTS
The Committee had previously agreed to support a proposal that
representations should be made to the Minister of Housing and
Local Government against his requirement, in approving housing
schemes, that the top floors of maisonettes, houses and flats should
have a ceiling height of not more than 7 ft. 6 in.
In view of the division of opinion from constituent councils,
however, the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee
decided not to make the representations proposed.
HAIRDRESSERS AND BARBERS
The Council fixed 1st September, 1955 as the date on which the
provisions of Section 18 of the L.C.C. (General Powers) Act, 1954,
relating to hairdressers and barbers' establishments should come
into effect in this Borough.
Fifty-one such premises were registered at the end of the year.
CLEAN AIR BILL
This Bill, which had its second reading in the Commons in
November, has four main purposes:—
(i) To prohibit the emission of dark smoke from chimneys,
railway engines, etc., subject to certain qualifications.
(ii) To prohibit the installation of new industrial furnaces unless
they are capable, so far as practicable, of being operated
without emitting smoke.
(iii) To require that the emission of grit and dust from existing
industrial furnaces shall be minimised, and that new industrial
furnaces burning pulverised fuel or large quantities
of other solid fuel shall be provided with grit-arresting
equipment.
(iv) To empower local authorities by order, subject to confirmation
by the Minister concerned, to declare "smoke-control
areas," in which the emission of smoke from chimneys will
constitute an offence.
The Bill provides for the payment of grants by the Exchequer
and by Local Authorities towards the cost of converting appliances
where necessary in private dwellings in smoke-control areas; for
amending and extending the operation of the Alkali, etc., Works
Regulation Act, 1906; for the application of the Act to Crown
premises and naval vessels. Certain amendments to the Bill were,
however, being drafted by the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing
Joint Committee.