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(B) Publicity,
The Minister of Housing and Local Government, in his explanatory
memorandum on Smoke Control Areas, asks that the maximum publicity
be given to the Council's action in setting up such areas so as to
obtain the willing co-operation of the publico Accordingly, every
owner and occupier in the Smoke Control Areas was informed by letter
of the Council's intention, and a booklet containing a guide to the
provisions of the Act and other useful explanatory material was
prepared and published by the Council, and distributed to every householder
and owner of property in each Area.
To facilitate the successful operation of the Smoke Control
Areas, the co-operation of fuel producers and merchants, appliance
manufacturers, builders' merchants, ironmongers and others, in
addition to that of the householders, is regarded as essential. A
meeting was held with fuel traders, trade associations and representatives
of the Ministry of Power. These consultations proved extremely
useful in reviewing the difficulties likely to arise, particularly
in the supply of some of the authorised fuels.
A meeting with builders, builders' merchants, ironmongers and
appliance manufacturers also served a useful purpose, giving an
opportunity for the exchange of views on the installation of
"approved appliances".
In collaboration with the Coal Utilisation Council, a lecture
was arranged at the Woolwich Polytechnic on the "Correct Methods of
Fixing Solid Fuel Appliances", at which many local builders attended.
Since Abbey Wood is the first Area which has a large number of
conversions to be carried out in respect of private property, a public
meeting was arranged in the Area to publicise the Council's policy
and settle any points raised by residents. Representatives of the
Council and a specialist in fuels were present on the platform, and
following a statement on the Council's policy by the Chairman of the
Health Committee, questions were answered. There was a capacity
audience of over 350.
Coinciding with the public meeting, a prefabricated demonstration
hut was opened on land adjacent to the Abbey Wood Smoke Control Area.
In the hut are displayed samples of all the "authorised" fuels, together
with various approved appliances, some of which are under fire, and
accessories, The purpose of the hut is to demonstrate to the
inhabitants of the Smoke Control Area types of fires and fuels
available and their proper method of operation. The demonstration
hut is open for periods during each week and attendances have been
good. Numerous questions have been asked of the Public Health
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