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This is to be achieved by making Smoke Control Orders
under the powers given to Local Authorities in Section 11 of
the Clean Air Act. The effect of such an order is to prohibit
the emission of smoke from any chimney in the area to which
it applies.
A survey will be necessary covering approximately five
thousand houses each year to take a complete record of
heating and cooking appliances so that an estimate can be
made of the cost of adapting unsuitable appliances to enable
smokeless fuel to be used. During the year a start was made
on the survey of the first, area which will comprise 2,056
Barking Council dwellings, 1,956 London County Council
dwellings and 830 private dwellings.
Preliminary information will be required by the Minister
of Housing and Local Government so that he can make sure
sufficient smokeless fuel will be available in the area. The
main burden of the needs will be met by coke which the Gas
Board say is in ample supply. A coke suitable for burning
on domestic continuous burning grates is now produced to a
standard specification and is marketed as "Gloco".
Joint Conference
Three meetings of the Joint Conference of neighbouring
Local Authorities were held to discuss matters of common
interest in the administration of the Clean Air Act.
Arising from the Conference several matters were taken
up the Minister of Housing and Local Government and
other bodies.
The question of the shortage of smokeless fuels other
than coke was raised with the Minister of Fuel and Power,
who was also asked to consider the processing of coal into
smokeless fuel at the pit head.
A protest was made to the Coal Utilisation Council, the
Independent Television Authority and the Minister of Power
about the advertisements on television encouraging the use
of coal on open fires. All three replied that there is no legal
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