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(b) Complaints of Smoke Emission. The number of complaints
received was greatly reduced compared with the previous year, and
many complaints referred to bonfires in gardens and allotments rather
than to industrial chimneys. The few complaints made of smoke
emission from factory chimneys were properly investigated and the
advice given generally resulted in the desired improvement. No legal
proceedings were taken in the year for any contravention of the Clean
Air Act.
7. Disease of Animals Act, 1950.
Outbreaks of foot and mouth disease were very high in the
country in 1960 when 298 outbreaks were confirmed (compared to 45
in the previous year). Richmond was included in an infected area in
April, but no case of the disease occurred in the Borough.
8. Petroleum Spirit Storage.
Fifty-three premises are licensed to store petrol and petroleum
mixtures totalling 85,470 gallons. The licence conditions provide that
storage tanks be tested in the 20th, 25th and 30th year after installation
and thereafter in every second year. Seven tanks were tested
and found satisfactory, and at one garage a 500 gallon tank was
examined and found to be leaking; the use of this tank was discontinued
forthwith.
9. Caravan Sites.
The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act, 1960 came
into operation during the year. The Act gives local authorities
effective powers for controlling sites so that they may be properly
equipped and conducted and permitted only in acceptable places. A
licence was granted during the year for a temporary site for one
caravan in Ham.
SECTION D.—HOUSING.
1. Unfit Houses.
Satisfactory progress was made during the year on areas of unfit
properties. Twenty-two houses in Grove Terrace and Motes Cottages
were demolished, and after a public enquiry in March, the Minister
confirmed Clearance Orders covering Orchard Cottages, Orchard
Road and 1—15 Garden Road (35 houses in all). The rehousing of