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46
the former County Borough. It is hoped that during 1971 a further programme
will be placed before the Council for approval which will provide for similar
control, over a period, of the area formerly comprising the Coulsdon and
Purley Urban District.
In July 1970 the Ministry of Housing and Local Government issued a
circular indicating that supplies of solid smokeless fuel may be short in some
parts of the country during the winter of 1970/71. The Minister stated his
willingness at short notice to make orders suspending the operation of Smoke
Control Orders in respect of particular smoke control areas or groups of such
areas in the light of requests from local authorities. Consultation with the
Solid Smokeless Fuel Federation was advised. After studying the position a
working party appointed by the London Boroughs' Association advised the
suspension of existing Smoke Control Orders throughout Greater London to the
extent of 40% of the properties covered by such orders for the period from 1st
November, 1970 to 31st March, 1971, Local Authorities were advised
accordingly.
In the light of this advice the Council applied to the Minister to suspend
for the period mentioned Smoke Control Areas 1 to 5 plus portions of abutting
Smoke Control Areas and the Orders were made in due course.
Happily there appear to have been no serious repercussions from this
action and little or no increase in smoke pollution has been noted due no
doubt, to a large extent, to the very mild winter experienced.
In concluding this introduction to the report I should like to express my
appreciation for the support and encouragement of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman
and the members of the General Services Sub-Committee, the guidance and confidence
of Dr. S.L. Wright, Medical Officer of Health and the very willing help
and loyalty of the whole of my staff.