Dr. Bennettasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty for what purpose H.M.S. "Vanguard", on Monday, 23rd November, at 2 p.m., started an hour-long emission of black smoke of Ringelmann 4 or 5 grade from her after funnel, thus covering much of Portsmouth Harbour and Portchester for much of the afternoon and what instructions he has given to Her Majesty's ships in port and to shore establishments to observe the provisions of the Clean Air Act.
§ Mr. Orr-EwingThe emission of black smoke from H.M.S. "Vanguard" on 23rd November was due to the urgent change-over from the one boiler, which was providing essential power for all services in the ship, and had developed a severe steam leak, to another boiler. This boiler being cold, failed to function properly at the first attempt, and had to be closed down, but was successfully relit within the hour. I regret any inconvenience caused by the smoke which, I understand, covered mainly the mudflats in Portsmouth Harbour towards Portchester, where it dissipated.
A full summary of the provisions of the Clean Air Act, with instructions as to their observance, was issued to H.M. ships and naval establishments some time ago.