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(c) Sufficient provision of sheds to secure that all engines are
fired, serviced and kept under steam in properly constructed
sheds, with ducts and shafts to lead all emissions of smoke to a
chimney wherein the products of combustion would be suitably
washed.
(d) The transfer of servicing to a depot outside London.
The problem is of very great gravity, and therefore, we consider
that steps should be taken to bring it to the attention of the
Ministry concerned, and to ask for some definite information as to
the policy of electrification.
We recommend-
(a) That the Minister of Transport be asked to receive a deputation
from the Council to discuss the foregoing matters, and
(b) That the Members of Parliament for the Borough be invited to
accompany and support the deputation.
Appropriate letters were sent to Mr Kenneth Robinson, MP., and Alderman
Mrs, Jeger, M P., and to the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil
Aviation, requesting the Minister to receive a deputation.
On the 3lst May however the Minister communicated with the Borough Council
to the effect that he felt no useful purpose would be served by his receiving a
deputation at that time.
On the 10th June a letter was received from the London County Council that
it would support representations made to the Minister of Transport, and, on the
28th June., a further letter was sent asking the Minister to reconsider his
decision.
On the 7th July Mr Kenneth Robinson MP., in Parliament asked the Minister
of Transport and Civil Aviation why he had refused to receive the deputation,
and the Minister's answer was to the effect that the question of electrification
of the whole of the former London Midland and Scottish System was not one that
could properly be discussed by the Minister with a local authority.
Following some further correspondence, Councillor Miss E M Haworth, the
Chairman of the Public Health Committee, informed members of the Borough Council
at its meeting on the 28th July, that the Minister would himself visit Gloucester
Avenue This in fact he did on the 31st August.
On the 7th September a letter was received from the Deputy Chairman of
the British Transport Commission stating
(a) that the British Transport Commission were fully alive to the
conditions which have given rise to the complaints and representations
from the Borough Council and the Medical Officer of
Health and are most anxious to do everything in their power to
mitigate the trouble;
(b) it is inherent in the essential work performed at motive power
depots in preparing steam locomotives for the work they are
required to do, that smoke must be caused;
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