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44
"Of the 17 local authorities which have obtained special powers
for the purpose, only two have so far put statutory smokeless zones
into operation—Coventry and Manchester. The zone at Coventry
became effective on 1st March, 1951, and covers some 30 acres in the
central part of the city which were badly bombed during the war and were
due for redevelopment. There were only two dwelling-houses in the area.
The Manchester zone was established on 1st May, 1952. It covers about
104 acres in the central area, which again is largely non-residential.
In many atmospheric conditions the effect of the Manchester smokeless
zone is, we understand, very noticeable. It is an indication of what is
possible.
"In the United States large smokeless areas have been achieved at
St. Louis, Pittsburg and elsewhere and without doubt are effective.
The principle of smokeless zones has naturally, therefore, attracted
much attention and is widely regarded as a simple and easy solution of
the 'smog' problem. Its rapid extension in this country is, however,
subject to practical limitations. To have any material effect the zones
must be large; if they are small they will not, in fact, be 'smokeless'
since they will receive smoke from surrounding areas. The prohibition
of smoke in an area pre-supposes that all the fuel that is burnt, whether
in industrial or domestic premises, can be burnt without smoke, that is to
say, that every building will be equipped with the right kinds of appliances
and that sufficient smokeless fuels will be available. While supplies of
the latter are limited, their allocation only to smokeless zones would be
at the expense of other areas. This suggests that any extension of
smokeless zones, if they are to have the best results, should be carefully
planned according to the needs of different areas. A smokeless zone may
be achieved with less difficulty in an area of new development, but in the
case of existing property it is likely to entail extensive conversions of plant
and equipment and a radical change in traditional methods of heating.
The establishment of smokeless zones must, under present conditions,
involve increased expenditure and restrictions on the use of fuels whether
in regard to industrial or domestic fires.
"The practicability and the economics involved in the extensive
development of smokeless zones are matters which we are investigating."
The report ends:—
"This preliminary report has outlined the main features of the
problem of air pollution as it exists to-day. The causes and remedies
of pollution by smoke are known; the problem is one of practicability
and economics, and of the education of the whole community. Complete
cure of both solid and gaseous pollution, if indeed it be ever attainable,
is bound to take many years, but means of averting at least the worst
evils of air pollution by smoke and grit are within practicable reach.
It is simply a question of balancing the cost and inconvenience of enforcing
a more efficient and scientific use of our fuels against all the advantages
to be obtained in health, convenience and economy from a clear atmosphere.
This problem, with all that is involved in a real attack on the
menace of air pollution, is one which must be faced. We now propose to
embark upon the detailed study of the practical difficulties which we have