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were received about the conditions under which the large transporter
vehicles carried refuse to tips outside the area, but prompt action was
taken to remedy the causes of complaint.
No change was made during the year to the method of collection
of refuse from domestic or trade premises.
With the introduction of Smoke Control Areas problems have
arisen in connection with the disposal of such awkward parcels as
surgical dressings and the debris from maternity and home nursing
cases. Where other disposal methods have proved unsatisfactory the
Department has carried out a limited collection service with disposal
via the Refuse Transfer Station. This is a growing problem and the
present arrangements are only experimental. It is the sort of service
which arises from small emergency beginnings but which comes to be
regarded as a matter of right by those whom we assist.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION Smoke Control Areas.
The Barnes (No. 3) Smoke Control Order came into operation
on 1st January, 1963. The exceptionally severe winter brought many
problems which seriously hampered the completion of conversion
works, and some latitude was, of necessity, allowed in respect of late
applications for grant. There was a marked increase in the number
of householders who elected to change to gas or electric room heating.
Difficulty was again experienced in agreeing estimates for conversion
work on account of the very high prices charged locally for
building work, as compared with costs in other areas, coupled with
the natural desire of householders to secure improvements in their
heating arrangements at the same time as necessary conversion work
is carried out. Special consideration was again given to pensioners
and others who needed extra assistance in having works of conversion
carried out, and the Public Health Committee gave increased grants
to 11 old age pensioners etc. out of a total of 253 applicants for grants
during the year.
The Barnes (No. 4) Smoke Control Order was introduced to deal
with the small triangle of property in the Putney area and to bring
it into line with the Smoke Control Orders made by Wandsworth
Borough Council affecting adjoining properties. With the coming
into operation of these areas at least half of the Borough has now been
dealt with.
The survey of the No. 5 Area was carried out before the end of
the year on the same basis as before. However, in December, 1963 a
statement on Future Fuel Policy was issued by the Ministry of Power.
The effect of this statement was to change the emphasis in conversion
works, from the provision of modern open fires to the newly developed
solid fuel room heaters, gas fires and electrical thermal storage heaters.
These appliances are designed to use economically fuel which is