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17
August 1.39 (2.37) 8 (12)
September 1.89 (2.37) 12 (15)
October 1.14 (2.91) 8 (16)
November 1.23 (2.04) 15 (12)
December 1.84 (2.54) 7 (12)
15.99 (19.56) 126 (134)
Radioactivity.
Whilst it cannot be said that the South West Essex Authorities have
had occasion to consider any problem jointly, I should emphasise that
although this subject of radioactivity rises and falls in popular appeal,
I cannot see that in the foreseeable future it can fail to remain both in
the civil and other spheres one of the vital preoccupations of the age.
Clean Air.
A synopsis of the position—albeit in considerable detail—was given
last year and need not be repeated.
May I, however, draw attention to certain important practical points
affecting inhabitants of Areas which have already received publicity and
should continue to do so:—
(1) Whenever an Area is confirmed an application for grant
should—where valid—be made without delay. Do not wait until the
Area is on the verge of becoming legally smokeless, i,e. the operative
date, but apply if at all possible—and normally it will be—not later than
two months before.
(2) It seems unlikely that the premium smokeless fuels, e.g. 'Coalite'
and the like will be available on demand and the success or failure of
a Smoke Control Area will not rest exclusively on such fuels. It is,
therefore, no use complaining that Smoke Control cannot be made to
work unless possibly the customary fuels are to hand. Other smokeless
fuels will normally be available and are efficient.
(3) Keep as much fuel as possible in stock. If hard weather finds
you short of fuel there may well be others like you and your hopes for
speedy delivery will be dashed. Likewise we can no longer, it is clear,
rely upon our winters being in the main unlikely to produce sustained
cold weather!
(4) Adaptations are designed to make the heating arrangements
comply readily with the Clean Air Act and at a minimum rate and cost
to the taxpayer and ratepayer.
A number of applications are framed on lines which show quite
clearly that this point is not always appreciated.
It is realised that the carrying out of adaptations may well entail
considerable inconvenience but it will always be the policy of this
Council—so far as lies within their power—to minimise such inconvenience.
Smoke control policy is centrally determined and encouraged.
In brief the securing of clean air is a matter upon which the Government
has set its heart and upon which this Council is lending its full
measure of support.