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of smoke control areas that the Coal Utilisation Council, by advertisement,
encourages householders to burn coal in domestic grates. Fortunately
the trend is the other way; and even without the declaration of smoke
control areas a growing proportion of householders are turning away
from the consumption of coal in this way. It would probably speed-up progress
if the expenditure people incurred in providing appliances to consume
smokeless fuels and for which they would qualify for financial contribution
if the change was made after the locality in which they live has been
declared a smoke control area, could qualify for this contribution even
when they make this change before the order comes into force. In default
of some such arrangements being arrived at, it can be expected that some
of those living in the localities which in time are to become smoke control
areas might postpone such changes until such time as they would qualify
for this financial benefit.
The Council, although making substantial contributions towards the
expenses incurred by the Harrow Old People's Welfare Committee and the
various voluntary organisations who do so much of the work to help
elderly people, has been only loosely in contact with the work of the
parent Committee. In future, they will be kept much more closely in
touch because the Council's representation on the Committee has been
increased, and also because reports of the Executive Committee of the
parent Committee will be presented to some of the Committees of the
Council. The Old People's Welfare Committee accepted the suggestion
of the Council that they should engage a whole-time Welfare Organiser.
In March, the Royal Commission on Local Government in Greater
London started to take oral evidence from local authorities, local authorities'
associations and Government departments. The evidence of the
Council was heard in July.
I have the honour to be
Your obedient servant,
CARYL THOMAS,
Medical Officer of Health.
Council Offices,
Kynaston Court,
Harrow Weald.
20th July, 1960.