Copy letter from Sir Michael Foster, to Chief Officer, Public Central Department, London County Council, Spring Gardens, S.W. The letter asking if the Royal Society would promote an inquiry into smoke abatement has been carefully considered by President and Council. They have come to the conclusion that the matter is one of great magnitude, and would need to be carried out on a grand scale by a body enjoying large powers and having considerable funds at its disposal. The Royal Society are anxious not to appear unwilling, but feel they would not be justified in undertaking such an initiative themselves, nor can they advise the London County Council on how the inquiry should be carried out with an adequate prospect of success. 11 December 1902