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During the initial survey of the No.1 Smoke Control Area, it was estimated that
1,655 fireplace conversions would be required, at a total cost of £18,505. In fact, the
number of conversions carried out with grant aid was 1,102, at the cost shown above.
It can only be assumed that the remaining 553 fireplace adaptations have either been
accomplished without a grant aid, by householders on their own initiative, or that a
changeover of fuel supplies from coal to high-quality premium smokeless fuels, capable
of burning in existing grates, has taken place. The discrepancy between the estimated
and final figures is not peculiar to Leyton, as enquiries have shown that they compare
with most Smoke Control Areas in and around London. However, the merits of a Smoke
Control Order must be adjudged not only on the number of adaptations carried out with
grant aid but also on the amount of visible smoke emitted during the heating season,
and observations have shown that the time and expenditure on bringing Area No.1 into
operation have been well spent.
In the Annual Report for 1961, I stressed the need for simplification of the procedure
for the establishment of Smoke Control Areas, and illustrated the vast amount
of technical and administrative work involved. This matter was raised by Leyton at a
meeting of the joint Conference of Local Authorities as early as 1959; and it is
pleasing to report that, as a result of Ministry of Housing and Local Government
Circular No.3/62, dated 30th January, 1962, the Minister has so changed the administrative
procedure as to assist Local Authorities to carry through their Smoke Control
programmes more quickly, but the Minister goes on to stress the need for the closest
supervision of works of adaptation to ensure that they are strictly in accordance with
the principles laid down in paragraph 26 of the Memorandum on Smoke Control Areas for
determining what types of works, and what standards, are reasonably necessary.
The practical measures taken by the Public Health inspectorate to mitigate pollution
of the atmosphere by smoke and grit include the taking of observations of factory
chimneys, inspection of boiler installations, advice to boiler operatives on the proper
use of fuel and methods of stoking, and discussions with managerial staff. 208 inspections
were carried out during the year and a further 1,217 visits and inspections were
made in connection with the establishment of smoke control areas. Special surveys are
also in progress for the scientific measurement of grit and dust deposits in specified
parts of the Borough. For this purpose, four standard deposit gauges are being used,
the results of which are published monthly in the bulletin of the Department of
Scientific and industrial Research.
The Chairman of the Public Health Committee, Alderman Mrs.A.M.M.Burrell, and the
Chief Public Health inspector, are the Council's representatives on the London and Home
Counties Clean Air Advisory Council, the Standing Conference of Co-operating Bodies
set up by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and the National Society
for Clean Air, The Joint Clean Air Conference of neighbouring Local Authorities, first
convened by Leyton Borough Council in 1956 for the purpose of discussing matters of
common interest with regard to air pollution, met twice during the year at Chingford
and Ilford. Matters discussed and forwarded to the Ministry of Housing and Local
Government for consideration include the availability of supplies of smokeless fuel,
the sale of bituminous coal in smoke control areas, Exchequer contributions towards
cost of adaptations, and the high prices charged for pre-packed smokeless fuels sold
in small quantities in local retail shops.
The department continues to co-operate with the D.S.I.R. in the National Survey
of Air pollution and daily observations are taken throughout the year. The results of
these measurements of smoke and sulphur dioxide, as recorded by the volumetric apparatus
installed in the department, are set out in detail later in the report.
The statistical year of the survey ends on 31st March. Table No.1 shows the monthly
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