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50.
The operation of the Hyde Road Smoke Control Order took effect as from
1st September 1959. The Borough Council have agreed to a phased programme in
order that the whole of Shoreditch may become a Smoke Control Area within the
next seven years.
Industry
Many firms accept and act on convincing proof as to how to save money and
yet maintain and perhaps improve existing standards. Experience in operating
the Clean Air Act has established that the industrialist is co-operative on the
question of smoke control and in no small measure this is the result of the
Public Health Inspectors' policy of convincing them that upwards of 10% of
fuel can be saved when burned efficiently.
To the industrialist this is of vital importance, and of secondary
importance is the amount of atmospheric pollution produced. However, this
is the policy which the Public Health Inspectors have pursued throughout the
year, to persuade the industrialist to burn fuel more efficiently, thereby
saving- money and automatically complying with the purpose of the Act in
reducing atmospheric pollution.
It is encouraging once again to report satisfactory results concerning
industrial undertakings without having resort to formal action.
A vital problem which will have to be faced in the near future is the
prevention of atmospheric pollution caused by the burning of wood wastes in
the numerous small woodworking factories in Shoreditch, mentioned later in
this report.
Domestic dwellings
The introduction of electric floor space heating in local authority flats
under construction during the year is a marked advance in preventing
atmospheric pollution and this, in addition to the foresight of the Council
in providing approved appliances in all post-war local authority dwellings is
an immense contribution towards Clean Air in Shoreditch.
The refusal of the Minister to apply the grant for the alteration or
replacement of fireplaces in respect of premises not in confirmed Smoke Control
Areas despite pressure from various bodies including the Metropolitan
Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee has resulted during the year in several
owners and occupiers anxious to provide approved appliances deciding not to do
so until such time as the premises are in a confirmed Smoke Control Area when
according to existing Law, the grant will be available.
Smoke Control Areas
The Hyde Road Smoke Control Area confirmed by the Minister of Housing and
Local Government became operative on 1st September 1959 and whilst it has been
operative only four months it has presented few problems. Since 1st September