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42
The Borough's Smoke Control Policy has continued and Smoke Control
Order No. 12 was made in December, 1969 and awaits confirmation. It is
regrettable that in spite of Government pressure to implement a Clean Air
Policy in the "black areas" the coal industry has not kept pace with the
demands for solid smokeless fuel. It is hoped and believed that this is
only a temporary phase aggravated by the gas industry's rapid change-over
from coal carbonisation to oil reforming in the production of town gas.
If anyone has any doubts as to the benefits obtained from smoke control
he should study the recent report produced by the Greater London
Council Research and Intelligence Unit for the London Boroughs Association,
on the Progress and Effects of Smoke Control in London."
This report is a complete vindication of a policy sometimes critised on
the grounds of expense.
The administration of the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act,
1963 has continued at a reasonable pace, again limited by the availability
of staff and in many cases the complex nature of the work. More detailed
comment is made on page 67 of this report and the Inspectors concerned
are to be complimented on the results achieved.
In concluding this introduction to the report I should like to express my
appreciation of the support and encouragement of the Chairman, ViceChairman,
and members of the various Committees, the guidance and confi*
dence of Dr. S.L. Wright, Medical Officer of Health and the very willing
help and loyalty of the whole of my staff.