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of evidence from America and elsewhere Indicating that if the fluoride
content of the water supply is adjusted to one part per million there
will be a substantial reduction in dental decay. Since 1956 the water
supply of Watford, Kilmarnock and Anglesey has been adjusted to the
appropriate level and a report of this survey which was published in
July 1962 showed that dental decay in children in the experimental area
was reduced by over 50 to 60 per cent. There were no harmful effects .
The Minister of Health has intimated to local authorities that he is
prepared to approve, under Section 28 of the National Health Service
Act 1946, the making of arrangements with water undertakers for the adding
of fluoride to water supplies which are deficient in it naturally.
There is now ample evidence that fluoridation reduces dental de cay,
that from the Water Engineer's point of view it is a practicable and
reasonably cheap proposition, and that it is an essentially safe public
health measure.
It was decided that the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint
Committee be informed that this Council are in favour of the Metropolitan
Water Board being asked to introduce fluoridation of water at
an early date.
Crude Spirit Drinking
Crude spirit drinking is a problem which has existed in Southwark
for many years, and has become more obvious as social conditions have
improved. The Borough Council has been anxious to protect local residents
from the undoubted nuisance caused by crude spirit drinkers, who,
strangers to the locality, practice this habit in public places, as
well as to rehabilitate these people and so prevent further deterioration.
In this connection it was decided at the end of the year to
convene a meeting and a note of the proceedings of the meeting, which
was held early in 1964, is set out at the end of this report.
Conclusion
I should like to express my very sincere thanks to the Chairmen
and Members of the various Committees of the Council for their encouragement
throughout the year, as well to the Chief Officers and the
staff of their departments all of whom have been most helpful in regard
to public health matters at all times. Reference has already been
made to the assistance received from Dr. W. H. S. Wallace, Divisional
Medical Officer, London County Council, and the members of his staff
as well as from Dr. Tomlinson of the Public Health Laboratory Service
in connection with diphtheria, and it remains now to express my gratitude
to them for their co-operation, and that of their Departments,
on many other occasions.