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D. Borough of Willesden.
E. Borough of Brentford and Chiswick.
F. Borough of Southall.
G. Borough of Wembley.
Public Enquiry on No. 12 Smoke Control Order
This Order made by the Council in 1962, was confirmed by the Minister of Housing
and Local Government in February, 1963, following a Public Enquiry held at Ealing
in January. It was held as the result of objections received from one householder
residing in the area. The grounds of objection were briefly that the Order involved
individuals and the ratepayers in unnecessary expense; that there was difficulty in
obtaining smokeless fuels, which even if obtainable were added expense; and that
the making of the Order was a futile measure whilst industrial plants in other areas
emitted fumes and dust.
The Council was represented at the Enquiry by their Assistant Solicitor and evidence
was given by the Chief Public Health Inspector, representatives of the Coke Department
of the North Thames Gas Board and the National Coal Board. This evidence
dealt with the Council's general programme, with the supply of fuels and with particular
information relevant to the area under consideration.
The Minister in referring to the report of his Inspector, which he accepted, stated
that the Inspector found that the area was a suitable one for smoke control; that
smoke pollution was a serious social evil and that he had no doubt that the Council
were in principle justified in seeking to extend the area of their district under smoke
control. The presence of other forms of air pollution, which were already subject to
control under existing legislation, was not in itself an argument against reducing
domestic smoke. As regards the suitability of the area, smoke control was a continuing
process and until it was complete it was inevitable that some householders would be
under a legal obligation to avoid making smoke before their neighbours came under a
similar obligation. He was also satisfied that adequate supplies of smokeless fuel would
be available in the area and added that when suitable quality smokeless fuels were
correctly used in modern approved appliances designed for burning them, there was
no doubt that they were capable of providing efficient and economical open fire
heating.
Mobile Exhibition—Solid Smokeless Fuels Federation
Mobile exhibition vehicles operated and staffed by the Solid Smokeless Fuels
Federation visited the Borough on two occasions during the year. In July a vehicle
spent three days in the area covered by the No. 15 Smoke Control Order and was
visited by 185 local residents at four separate locations in the area. The vehicle used
on this occasion was of a larger type than that formerly used in the Borough and
contained additional examples of approved appliances. During the second visit in
November one week was spent in six separate locations in the area of the proposed
No. 17 Smoke Control Order and during this period, 603 local residents visited the
exhibition. The Federation expressed the view that this had been one of their most
successful efforts for some time. The success on this occasion was possibly due to the
fact that a survey of this area was being conducted at the same time. The staff on
duty were available to give advice and assistance to all who were interested in appliances
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