View report page

of explosives during the process of disposal of dangerous ammunition,
discussions by Officers of the Council with staff on the site took
place, and the Ministry of Supply subsequently notified the Council
that alternative disposal arrangements would be introduced immediately,
and the burning of T.N.T. would cease forthwith.
Smoke Control Areas - Fitting of chimney throat restrictors
An allowance was included by the Council in its estimated
expenditure for the Abbey Wood Smoke Control Area for the provision
of chimney throat restrictors, which are a useful means of increasing
fuel efficiency.
However, the Minister of Housing and Local Government has refused
to allow this expenditure for grant purposes, stating that in his
view the purpose of such appliances is fuel economy rather than smokeless
combustion, and consequently such expenditure is not normally
admissible for Exchequer grant. Representations were then made to
the Minister, pointing out that in his Memorandum on Smoke Control
Areas the Minister had asked local authorities to ensure that
conversion works are carried out in accordance with the British
Standards Code of Practice and the methods recommened therein which
clearly recommended the fitting of throat restrictors. Owing to
the comparatively small additional cost involved, and the increased
efficiency, the Council considered that the Minister should be willing
to accept this expenditure for the purposes of grant. However,
the Minister's view was that such expenditure could not be allowed
for grant purposes, although he was prepared to consider any special
circumstances which might exist in an individual ease such as
evidence of recurring or persistent down-draught. A Deputation from
the Council attended at the Ministry, but without success, and the
question is being further pursued with the Metropolitan Boroughs'
Standing Joint Committee, who support the Council's views. The
matter was also raised by other neighbouring local authorities at
meetings held to discuss co-operation on smoke control areas.
Meetings with neighbouring Local Authorities
The Chairman of the Health Committee, Councillor Mrs. J.E.
Carroll, has attended a number of meetings of bodies interested in
clean air, including meetings of neighbouring authorities both north
and south of the river.
MEASUREMENT AND RECORDING OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
Monthly measurements of deposits of sulphur trioxide and solid
matter are made at five measuring stations situated within the
Borough which are maintained by the Council. In addition, the Council
have set up three smoke measuring stations where daily readings are
obtained. The following table gives details of the monthly readings:-
- 39 -