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8
I venture to suggest that the most urgent need of the social
services of this country is ruthless exposure of humbug of the
kind contained in the passage quoted. The suggestion that there
is a special direct relationship between low expenditure and
unwise spending, and that economy can be effected by raising
the total expenditure per bead of population, is simple nonsense.
The other anonymous contributions to The Lancet's
symposium on economy are obviously from practical administrators,
who have helpful suggestions as to the ways and means
of effecting economy now and in the future.
It would be a great pity if, as a result of the crisis and
Circular 1,222, economy were to become a " stunt," instead of
being, as it ought to be, a matter for constant attention in every
department of public life and social service.
I desire to acknowledge the continued good work of the staff
of the department during the year, the great help rendered by
voluntary workers, and the keen desire of members of the Council
to maintain the high standard of health administration in the
Borough.
I am,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
It. P. GARROW,
Medical Officer of Health.