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lighting solid smokeless fuel. However, in some cases,
the cost of the installation of a gas supply is prohibitive,
and the Minister of Housing and Local Government has been
unwilling to confirm the cost for grant aid. During the
year a Ministry circular suggested that the use of wood and
paper for igniting the smokeless fuels should be permitted,
and to this end it suggested that Smoke Control Orders should
contain a general exemption relating to the emission of smoke
by the use of this method of ignition.
It is recognised that generally gas provides the most
convenient method of lighting solid smokeless fuels. However,
during the year an electric fire-lighter was produced by a
well-known Company. This fire-lighter will light coke as
easily as gas and at a comparable cost. At the end of the
year the Ministry was considering the possibility of allowing
this appliance, although portable, to rank for grant.
FUEL SUPPLIES
The local supply of proprietary or "premium" smokeless
fuels continues to improve. There are now several brands from
which a choice can be made, and no complaints have been
received from residents in Smoke Control Areas of inability
to obtain authorised fuel. Nevertheless, the Council
continues to advise residents not to place reliance upon
any one of these fuels by insisting upon the delivery of
only one brand. The supply of coke continues to be plentiful
throughout the area.
Only one instance was reported of the delivery of house
coal in a Smoke Control Area, and following discussion with
the retailer concerned authorised fuel was substituted.
Careful watch is maintained by the Council's Smoke Inspectors
for the emission of smoke in the operative Smoke Control Areas,
and I am pleased to report that no serious infringements have
been observed.
PUBLICITY
The Council continues to ensure that their Smoke Control
activities are given adequate publicity. The notification
by letters and booklets to residents, introduced when the
Clean Air Act was first operated, continues to be successful.
There has been a minimum of upheaval and inconvenience to
residents and no complaints have been received.
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