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-60-
the basic domestic replacement for the raw coal previously used,
but owing to the rapid technological changes taking place in the
gas industry it was clear that a major increase in the production
of gas coke could no longer be expected. The Minister felt
that at a stage in local authority programmes, varying from place
to place, additional supplies of open fire coke may cease to be
available, and that changes in current arrangements might be
needed to ensure that progress with Smoke Control was not impeded.
The Minister reported that an immediate review of the fuel
situation was to take place.
During the year the Ministry of Housing and Local Government,
in conjunction with the Ministry of Power, issued a Circular on
the use of gas cokes. Steps were being taken to ensure that
unsuitable grades of coke were not sold for use on open fires, and
that gas cokes were not knowingly sold as suitable open fire fuels
to householders whose grates were not designed to burn them.
Arrangements have been made to deal with complaints in this respect.
During 1962 the National Coal Board introduced their new
fluidlsed char binderless briquettes, popularly known as
"Bronowski's bullets". A pilot plant is producing limited
quantities for special distribution and testing. The Board hope
to make approximately fifty-thousand tons of this new fuel
available per year during the next two years. The Minister of
Housing and Local Government, by Regulation, included this type
of fuel in the list of authorised fuels for the purposes of the
Clean Air Act, 1956.
CONVERSION COSTS
As requested by the Minister of Housing and Local Government,
the original estimate of cost for each Area has been based upon
a 100$ conversion rate. In the New Eltham and Horn Park Areas,
which-came into operation in 1962, it was estimated that, after
survey, 2,470 private dwellings required works of conversion to
the fires, at an estimated cost of £48,543. However, upon
completion of the Areas it has been found that final costs have
been considerably reduced.
The following details show the
various factors which gave rise to that reduction:-