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and fuels and on the operation of the Clean Air Act as it was likely to affect the residents
in the area. Further arrangements were being made towards the end of the year for
similar exhibition vehicles to visit the proposed Nos. 18, 19, 20 and 21 Smoke Control
Areas during 1964. The Council is indebted to the Federation for arranging these
exhibitions and for the help and advice given. All visits are heralded by advertisement
in the local press and by the distribution of pamphlets to all households in the areas
concerned.
Publicity for Clean Air Programme
As a result of the confirmation of the Nos. 12, 13, 14 and 15 Smoke Control Orders,
approximately 4,000 letters were circulated to the householders in the areas concerned
giving full details of the effects of the Orders and of grants available for the conversion
of heating appliances. This information was given in addition to that provided by
means of personal visits by the Public Health Inspectors during the initial survey of
properties, and as the result of enquiries and applications for grant. Talks on the
Council's Clean Air Programme and atmospheric pollution generally, were also given
on several occasions to various women's organisations. These talks were illustrated
with films, film strips and other visual aids and are valuable as an addition to other
publicity methods used by the Council. At such talks opportunities often arise for
dealing with the misunderstandings and difficulties which occur from time to time in
smoke control areas. A portable display unit which illustrates the range of solid
smokeless fuels and the correct operation of appliances was made available to the
Council during the year by the Solid Smokeless Fuels Federation. These are now
available for the information of the general public in the entrance to the Public Health
Department.
West Middlesex Clean Air Co-ordinating Committee
The five authorities represented on the Committee (Ealing, Feltham, Hayes &
Harlington, Southall and Heston & Isleworth) were joined during 1963 by representatives
from Brentford & Chiswick, Acton and Ruislip—Northwood, thus covering
a contiguous area of more than 40,000 acres with a total population of just over
655,000. Invitations extended to Yiewsley & West Drayton Urban District Council
and to Uxbridge Borough Council to appoint representatives in order to cover the
whole of the West Middlesex area included in the grouping of the new London
Boroughs were declined.
The Committee met on three occasions during the year when useful information on
the progress of the smoke control programmes of each of the eight constituent
authorities was exchanged and discussed. At the last meeting held in October it was
reported that there were 54 Smoke Control Orders in operation in the combined area,
covering 12,049 acres and 51,179 dwellings and 2,598 other buildings. Twelve further
Orders were either confirmed but not in operation, or awaiting confirmation.
Consideration was given to a wide variety of subjects ranging from such questions
as the sale of solid smokeless fuels in paper bags, to the application of Sections 3 and
10 of the Clean Air Act, 1956. One meeting was addressed by the Sales Manager of the
North Thames Gas Board Coke Department on the relative supply position, both
present and future, of Cleanglow and Gloco. It was emphasised that the demand for
Cleanglow was likely to remain in excess of production for the time being but that
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