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The proposed installation of 2,157 heating appliances was approved for the purpose
of grant, during the year, the estimated grants totalling £131,998. Applications for the
supply and installation of gas fires account for 90% of the total applications.
During the year the Council accepted a recommendation that gas fires should be
regarded as "fixtures"rather than "fixed but readily removable" appliances, so that the
grant of seven-tenths of the approved cost would be payable on completion of the work
instead of as formerly in two instalments, the second at the end of 2 years.
Discretionary grants in respect of the 30 per cent balance of cost of works of
adaptation to heating appliances were approved by the Committee in 16 cases, during the
year, on grounds of hardship.
During the year a number of complaints were received and investigated and an increasing
number of these related to the burning of rubbish on sites being cleared by demolition contractors.
In most cases, however, an approach to the management of the companies concerned
secured good co-operation. Complaints were still received from time to time regarding smoke
emission from the three electricity generating stations within the borough. In most cases
this was due to unsuitable fuel, but some improvement in their performance has been secured
during the year.
Under the provisions of section 3(3) of the Clean Air Act 1956 furnaces may not be
installed in a building unless notice of proposal to install has been given to the Council.
Notices were given to the Council of proposals to install furnaces in three premises,
applications for prior approval under Section 3(2) being submitted and approved in 16
instances.
DISEASES OF ANIMALS
The Corporation of London, through its veterinary officers and inspectors, carried
out on an agency basis duties imposed on the Council under the Diseases of Animals Act
1959 and associated acts, Pet Animals Act 1951, Performing Animals Act 1925 and the
Animals Boarding Establishments Act 1965.
A summary of this work appears on page 118.
FOOD AND DRUGS
Analysis of Food and Drugs Samples
During the year 1018 samples of food and drugs were submitted for analysis by the
Public Analyst, 18 being purchased formally, 986 informally, and 14 were private samples.
Irregular samples ascertained numbered 115.
54.