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23 CLEAN AIR
Due to a national shortage of solid smokeless fuel 40%
of the Council's smoke control orders were suspended
between November 1970 and March 1971. No significant
increase in air pollution levels was noted as a result of
this suspension, largely because of the mild winter and
the continuing reduction in the number of solid fue I
burning appliances. The provision of those orders
remaining in force were rigorously enforced as it was
felt that the progress in clean air already achieved would
be jeopardised should the widespread use of bituminous
coal occur. Despite efforts to give maximum publicity to
the suspensions and orders remaining in force, sales of
coal did occur and four merchants were prosecuted and fined
for delivering and selling unauthorised fuel. Fines totalling
£20 and costs of £18 were imposed.
A large industrial firm was prosecuted and fined £20 with
costs of £5 for two separate offences relating to the
burning of rubbish in an incinerator within a smoke control
area. A second firm was prosecuted under the Public
Health (Recurring Nuisance) Act 1969. A fine of £20 was
imposed with £5 costs and a Nuisance Order made
requiring the provision of arrestment plant to eliminate
the emission of particles of carbon black.
Five smoke control orders became operative in 1971, and
the last two, Ealing Nos.52 and 53, which have been
confirmed, will operate from 1st July 1972. The borough

Progress of Smoke Control Programme in Ealing

will then have smoke control orders covering the entire
area, although a few exemptions concerning property
awaiting demolition will remain. The first order(SouthaII
No.1) was made on 25th November 1958. confirmed by the
Minister of Housing and Local Government on 21st June
1959 and came into operation on 1st May 1960. Since that
time the programme has proceeded steadily, with a few
disappointing setbacks due to financial difficulties and
shortage of fuel, and is now virtually complete with a
total of 71 separate orders.
The benefits of clean air, many of which are already
manifest in the borough, include an increase in
measurable sunlight which in turn increases plant growth
and improves the condition of the soil. The effects will
also be felt in a general improvement in the psychological
and social consequences of life in a cleaner environment
as well as in general health due to a reduction in the
respiratory diseases associated with air pollution. The
cost of repairs to buildings due to corrosion of stone and
metals will be reduced as well as that of domestic
cleaning as a result of the improved atmospheric conditions.
Figures which indicate progress made in this borough
compared with Greater London and the total "black
areas" of the country as a whole are given in the
following table:-