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Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee, the Council agreed to contribute
30 per cent. of the reasonable cost and to give consideration to any
representations Church or School Authorities may wish to make for
greater payment in a particular case. During the year one payment
amounting to 30 per cent. of the reasonable cost was made in respect
of a Voluntary Aided School.
MEANS OF IGNITION
The Council has given every encouragement to the installation
of gas ignition as the easiest means of lighting solid smokeless fuel.
However, in some cases the cost of the installation of a gas supply
is prohibitive. During the year the Minister, by Circular, agreed
to allow grant upon an electric fire-lighter, produced by a well-known
Company.
This alternative means of ignition has proved to be most useful
to those residents in some of the Smoke Control Areas where their
properties are not carcased for gas. It is understood that the
running costs of the two methods are comparable.
FUEL SUPPLIERS
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 three instances were 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 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
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