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samples containing sufficient residue to indicate the need for special action though a
large proportion contained traces of pesticides which, too small to affect the product's
fitness for food for human consumption, were sometimes larger than had been expected
for that particular pesticide or for the particular variety of food. The recommendations
for the future pattern of sampling will be awaited with interest.
None of the samples obtained in the Borough during the survey received an adverse
report.
CLEAN AIR
Progress was maintained in the smoke control programme and the table on page 44
shows the position at 31st December 1969. In June a report was submitted to the Health
and Welfare Committee pointing out the advantages, environmental and financial, which
would accrue if the programme were speeded up so as to be completed in 1973 instead
of 1976. Acceleration whilst being less costly overall would have meant an increase
in annual expenditure albeit for a lesser number of years, but the Committee felt that
having regard to all the circumstances no explicit variation was called for. However,
they resolved that endeavour should be made to accelerate the completion of the
programme to a date earlier than 1976 should financial and staffing conditions permit.
As the year progressed it became clear that because of a reduction in the manufacture
of gas coke, the progress of smoke control was likely to be slowed down. The
Solid Smokeless Fuels Federation when approached for an assurance on the adequacy
of fuel supplies for the projected No.11 Area were unable to give this, unless operation
of the Order was delayed until 1st April 1971. The basic solid smokeless fuel on which
the whole concept of control was conceived by the late Lord Beaver, was gas coke. With
the increasing use of oil for the manufacture of town gas the supply of coke had not
been increasing for some years, but the advent of the supply of North Sea Gas meant the
end of coal carbonisation by the gas industry. The National Coal Board some years ago
had completed research into the manufacture of solid smokeless fuel but because of
delays in commencing production on an adequate scale, need more time to increase
supply. They have undertaken to meet demand by the Spring of 1971. The National
situation is critical and is causing concern in many quarters; not least in the Borough as
regards the substitution of an alternative for gas coke presently used for heating the
Council's schools, clinics and homes.
The Minister of Housing and Local Government took powers in the 1968 Clean Air
Act to require reluctant local authorities to designate smoke control areas. These have
now a reason for continuing to reject their responsibilities in the national bid to
reduce air pollution.
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The Council has power to increase the usual grant of 7/10ths of the "reasonably
necessary" cost of adapting fireplaces in dwellings in smoke control areas to cover