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PUBLICITY FOR CLEAN AIR PROGRAMME
The delivery of circular letters advising householders of the effect of newly
confirmed Smoke Control Orders continued and preliminary surveys of proposed smoke
control areas were carried out.
The arrangement with the Solid Smokeless Fuels Federation for a series of visits
each year also continued during 1966 and an exhibition van spent four separate
periods of six days in the Borough visiting areas where Smoke Control Orders were
proposed. Advance publicity of these visits was arranged by circular letter in the
usual way.
In general, householders have much information available to them and few
difficulties arise on this account.
GRANT ARRANGEMENTS
A further circular (No. 25/66) revising the Minister of Housing and Local
Government's scale of appliance cost limits was issued on 3rd June, 1966. The
Council adopted the new limits.
A letter was received from the Minister during July advising that, on account
of the continued run down in gas coke supplies, local authorities in the Greater
London Area should no longer assume that smokeless fuel supplies for open fires
could be met wholly by gas coke.
The Minister advised that grant could be paid in future Smoke Control Areas
for the replacement of improved open fires by appliances capable of burning hard coke
or by other approved appliances burning gas, electricity or oil.
Satisfactory replies from fuel producers having been received for all Smoke
Control Areas up to and including No. 29 the Council decided to implement the new
arrangement in respect of Order No. 30 onwards.
SUPPLIES OF FUELS IN SMOKE CONTROL AREAS
No local fuel supply difficulties were encountered although some particular
fuels need to be ordered well in advance of requirement to ensure availability.
NEW FURNACES
Notifications of the installation of new boilers in domestic, commercial and
industrial premises totalled 119 during 1966.
The oil-fired glass melting furnace installed last year and referred to in the
1965 report proved successful and the company concerned will allow its registration
under the Alkali etc., Works Order, 1966, to lapse as it will no longer be
manufacturing or using producer gas. Smoke emission will thus be much reduced.
PRIOR APPROVAL
No formal applications were received but consultation continued on all
applications of which the Department became aware and modifications were
frequently agreed before work commenced.
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