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stocks of Gloco were high at that time and that there was no danger of the supply
position becoming difficult. It was felt that in future there would be an increasing
tendency for the "piped" fuels such as electricity and gas to be used for domestic
heating and as this trend developed there would be a corresponding reduction in the
demand for gas coke. In any event technological changes in the gas making industry
by the increased use of oil for carbonising and also of imported natural gas would
eventually result in a decline in the production of coke at gas making plants.
The difficulties being experienced in certain, smoke control Areas due to the inability
of the North Thames Gas Board to cope with the amount of work involved in supplying
estimates without long delays was also discussed. As a result, three officers were
deputed to arrange a meeting with representatives of the North Thames Gas Board,
and it is pleasing to report that at this meeting, these difficulties, which had mainly
arisen because of serious staff shortages, were satisfactorily resolved. Outstanding
work has since been cleared and no unusual delays are now being experienced.
The work of this Committee, especially now that its activities apply to a much
larger area, has led to a considerable uniformity of action, and provides a valuable
opportunity for dealing with the various problems and difficulties which confront local
authorities in their efforts to implement the provisions of the Act and to create smoke
control areas.
The Ealing representatives on this Committee are:—
Councillor J. T. C. Hancock,
Councillor A. W. Morbey,
Chief Public Health Inspector.
Supply of Fuels in Smoke Control Areas
The Minister of Housing and Local Government in his Circular 7/63 published in
April, gave advice to local authorities concerning the use of gas coke as open fire
fuel and stated that the producers and distributors were setting up a consumer service
to show householders how best to use it. The circular also dealt with the delivery of
coal in smoke control areas and stated that the Coal Merchants' Federation of Great
Britain had recommended its members to do everything they could to prevent
bituminous coal being delivered to premises in smoke control areas.
In June, following questions in the Commons, the Minister issued a further statement
referring to the technological changes in the gas industry which were making increased
use of oil and natural gas for the production of domestic gas supplies. These changes
would lead eventually to a reduction in the supply of gas coke. The Minister indicated
that in conjunction with the Minister of Power he was instituting an immediate
review of current arrangements for ensuring that progress in smoke control was not
impeded.
The review promised by the Minister resulted in the publication of Command Paper
2231 "Domestic Fuel Supplies and the Clean Air Policy" and of his Circular No. 69/63
in December. The Minister envisaged that by 1970, there would be a shortage of open
fire coke and reactive fuels suitable for use in open grates, but that there would be a
surplus of fuels suitable for use in closed appliances. Adequate supplies of fuel for
open grates would be available to meet the needs of existing smoke control areas,
including those confirmed but not yet in operation and producers and distributors had
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