§ Mr. McAddenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how the making of smoke control orders in the black areas of England and Wales during 1961 compared with the local authority programmes for that year published in Smoke Control (England and Wales), Command Paper No. 1113 of 1960; and whether he is satisfied with the progress made.
Dr. HillThe published programmes envisaged approximately 477,700 premises and 90,400 acres in these areas being covered by smoke control orders made during 1961. Only some 337,400 premises and 61,100 acres were in fact so covered. In spite of the appreciable progress made this was a rather disappointing outcome for the year. Under my Department's Circulars Nos. 3/62 and 4/62 issued in January, administrative procedure was much simplified in order to save local authorities time and work and they were invited to take this into full account in preparing further smoke control programmes for the years 1962 to 1966. I hope this will facilitate and encourage quicker progress in future.