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Saturday and Sunday nth and 12th July, 1959 was used to publicise the use of solid
smokeless fuel; the North Thames Gas Board again co-operated with the department.
The Council's first smoke control area (the first in Metropolitan Essex) operated
from 1st September, 1959; the area is at Marks Gate and comprises about 1,000 new
Council houses. In March 1959, in addition to a public meeting, a house in the centre
of the estate was used for demonstration purposes for four days (Wednesday to Saturday);
the house was open until 8.00 p.m. and was manned by representatives of the Gas and
Electricity Boards and a public health inspector. Many of the residents on the estate
visited the demonstration house; the technique of burning coke was carefully explained
and any complaints or problems in respect of fuel appliances were followed up. It
would appear that for the success of a smoke control area it is essential for residents to
acquire the technique of burning coke (this is quite different from burning coal) and in
this connection the representatives of the North Thames Gas Board have been extremely
helpful. The tenants have co-operated well and there appears not to have been any
attempts to defy the requirements of the Order.
The Council have agreed in principle their programme for the next five years as
required by the Ministry; in addition they propose to include in smoke control areas
the whole Borough as soon as possible and in any case in not more than 10 years.
The survey for the second smoke control area has commenced; this will include
nearly 4,000 houses (mostly owned by the L.C.C.) and covers the South West Corner
of the Borough.
RAG FLOCK AND OTHER FILLING MATERIALS ACT, 1951
Two premises which have been registed under Section 2 of the Act have operated
during the year. One licence for the manufacture (the factory has been extensively
enlarged) and one licence for the storage of rag flock have been issued during the year.
Samples continue to be taken regularly at the three factories in the Borough where
filling materials are manufactured.
29 informal samples were taken during the year; all were satisfactory. The details
are as follows:—
No. of samples
Material submitted for analysis
Rag Flock 8
Cotton Felt 7
Kapok 6
Kapok mixed with cotton 1
Coir fibre 5
Sisal 2
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