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45
During 1958 the Public Health Committee considered a proposal put
forward by the Minister of Housing and Local Government that exemption
should be granted in respect of mechanical (underfeed) stokers. These
are furnaces so constructed that fuel, in the form of bituminous coal, is
fed to the underneath of the fire, combustion taking place on the upper
surface. The air for combustion is supplied under pressure through
suitably designed apertures. When properly maintained these furnaces
are capable of burning bituminous coal smokelessly.
The Committee decided that no steps should be taken at the present
time to secure the exemption of mechanical (underfeed) stokers from
the requirements of the Clean Air Act.
At its meeting on 23rd May, 1957, the City Council adopted the
recommendation of the Public Health Committee that "without committing
itself to any financial obligations at this stage, the Council do
agree in principle that its long-term policy should be to transform the
whole of the City of Westminster into a Smoke Control Area."
Following the recommendation of the Metropolitan Boroughs'
Standing Joint Committee that there should be some co-ordination in
the pattern of Smoke Control Areas throughout the County of London,
the City Council agreed that, in Westminster, Smoke Control Areas
should extend westwards from the City's boundaries with the City of
London and the Borough of Holborn, and progress in this respect has
been made as follows:—
(a) The Temple Bar Area (60 acres).
This Order was confirmed by the Minister of Housing and Local
Government and became operative on 1st October, 1958.
In order to promote interest and co-operation, a letter was sent to
every owner and occupier in the Area explaining the purpose of the
Order and requesting their co-operation in minimising smoke emissions
and thereby making a success of the purpose of the Order.
(b) The AdelphiI Whitehall Area (195 acres).
The necessary survey and the required statutory notifications were
completed by November, 1958. Members of the public were made aware
of the proposals by advertisements in the Press, and by the display of
posters which, in addition to the letterpress, contained a map delineating
the boundaries of the proposed Area. No objections were lodged, and
the Order was duly submitted to the Minister for confirmation; it is
hoped that the Order will come into operation on 1st October, 1959.
It is of interest to note that the part of the River Thames nominally
within the City boundaries, i.e., from the Embankment to mid-river, is,
where smoke control is concerned, under the jurisdiction of the Port of
London Health Authority and is therefore not a part of these Smoke
Control Areas.